chemical

Chemical is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• enPR: kĕm'ĭk-əl
• IPA: /ˈkemɪkəl/
• SAMPA: /"kemIk@l/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Noun

Singular chemical

Plural chemicals

a diagram of a chemical

1. (countable & uncountable) A chemical is a basic substance that is used in or produced by mixing elements or other chemicals.

   When you burn plastics, you put dangerous chemicals into the air.

   The chemical industry in China is producing more and more useful paints, glues, and other products.

Adjective

Positive chemical

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. (usually before the noun) Of or about chemicals.

   This test can detect small changes in the chemical composition of water.

Related words

• chemically
• chemist
• chemistry