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chemistry

n.
US //ˈkɛməstɹi// UK //kˈɛmɪstɹi// chem·istry
  1. 1 scientific study (n.)
    A2 Elementary Science

    the science that studies what things are made of and how they change when they are mixed together.

    the branch of natural science dealing with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and the reactions by which they are transformed.

    Example

    She decided to study chemistry at university because she loved doing experiments in the lab.

    Example

    The fundamental principles of organic chemistry are essential for understanding how complex biological molecules interact within the human body.

    Usage

    uncountable in this general sense
    • chemical science
  2. 2 personal attraction (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    the strong feeling of connection or attraction between two people.

    the mutual attraction, rapport, or spontaneous emotional connection between two individuals.

    Example

    The two actors had great chemistry on screen, making the love story feel very real.

    Example

    Despite their impressive individual resumes, the two executives failed to lead effectively because they lacked the personal chemistry required for a collaborative partnership.

    Usage

    uncountable in this figurative sense

    Teacher's tip

    Often used in the context of dating or professional partnerships to describe a 'natural fit'.
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  1. 3 chemical properties (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the specific way a substance or a living thing behaves chemically.

    the specific chemical properties, composition, and reactions of a particular organism, environment, or substance.

    Example

    The chemistry of the soil in this garden is perfect for growing roses.

    Example

    Researchers are still investigating the complex brain chemistry that contributes to chronic sleep disorders in elderly patients.

    Usage

    can be countable or uncountable
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰew- Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Ancient Greek -μᾰ (-mă) Ancient Greek χῠ́μᾰ (khŭ́mă) Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-i-eh₂ Proto-Hellenic *-íā Ancient Greek -ία (-ía) Ancient Greek χυμείᾱ (khumeíā)bor. Arabic الْكِيمِيَاء (al-kīmiyāʔ)bor. Medieval Latin alchēmia ▲ Ancient Greek χυμείᾱ (khumeíā)influ. New Latin chimiabor. Middle French chymie French chimie Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ίζω (-ízō) Proto-Hellenic *-tās Ancient Greek -τής (-tḗs) Ancient Greek -ιστής (-istḗs)der. Latin -istabor. French -iste French chimistebor. English chemist English -ry English chemistry First coined 1605, from chemist + -ry. From chemist, chymist, from Latin alchimista, from Arabic اَلْكِيمِيَاء (al-kīmiyāʔ), from article اَل (al-) + Ancient Greek χυμεία (khumeía, “art of alloying metals”), from χύμα (khúma, “fluid”), from χυμός (khumós, “juice”), from χέω (khéō, “to pour”).

Word family

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