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chemistry

noun
chem·​is·​try | \ ˈke-mə-strē How to pronounce chemistry (audio) \
plural chemistries

Definition of chemistry

1 : a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo
2a : the composition and chemical properties of a substance the chemistry of iron
b : chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism) blood chemistry
3a : a strong mutual attraction, attachment, or sympathy they have a special chemistry
b : interaction between people working together specifically : such interaction when harmonious or effective a team lacking chemistry

Examples of chemistry in a Sentence

studying the chemistry of gasoline They tried dating, but there was no chemistry between them. the chemistry of the office
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Recent Examples on the Web Fortunately, there are a few helpful tricks to fend off the swarms that don’t require a chemistry set or stinky citronella torches. Paul Stephen, ExpressNews.com, "3 natural, DEET-free ways to keep mosquitoes and other bugs from biting you and from landing in your drink this summer," 3 Aug. 2020 Justin Donnelly used to ride the Caltrain every day from his home in downtown San Francisco to work at a Stanford University chemistry lab. Washington Post, "San Francisco flattened the curve early. Now, coronavirus cases are surging.," 2 Aug. 2020 The Justice Department began its China Initiative in 2018 in response to the espionage threat, and the U.S. has arrested and charged a number of scientists, including Harvard’s chemistry chairman Charles Lieber. Caitlin Yilek, Washington Examiner, "Ohio State scientist accused of lying about links to China arrested while trying to flee," 9 July 2020 His team is currently working with a Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute chemistry professor, Jacob Shelley, to develop a smaller, more efficient and cheaper light source to recreate the small wavelength. Amanda Morris, The Arizona Republic, "Science fiction or real life? Arizona company wants to use lasers to detect coronavirus," 4 July 2020 Earlier this year Charles Lieber, then chair of Harvard University's chemistry department and a nanotechnology expert, was arrested and charged with lying to federal law-enforcement officials about secretly working for the Chinese government. Mary Sue Coleman, Scientific American, "How Universities Can Keep Foreign Governments from Stealing Intellectual Capital," 1 July 2020 For academic programs that depend on specialized equipment — such as kilns for pottery workshops and laboratories for chemistry experiments — CSU plans to move forward with a limited number of on-campus offerings, according to White. Elinor Aspegren And Samuel Zwickel, USA TODAY, "In person, online classes or a mix: Colleges' fall 2020 coronavirus reopening plans, detailed," 23 June 2020 For academic programs that depend on specialized equipment — such as kilns for pottery workshops and laboratories for chemistry experiments — CSU plans to move forward with a limited number of on-campus offerings, according to White. David Jesse, Detroit Free Press, "University of Michigan to bring students back to campus for fall semester," 22 June 2020 Born in Los Angeles in 1951, Ride successfully turned a childhood interest in science, spurred in part by a chemistry set, into a storied STEM career. Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "How Sally Ride blazed a trail for women in space," 18 June 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'chemistry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of chemistry

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for chemistry

see chemist

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Learn More about chemistry

Time Traveler for chemistry

Time Traveler

The first known use of chemistry was in 1646

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Statistics for chemistry

Last Updated

6 Aug 2020

Cite this Entry

“Chemistry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemistry. Accessed 6 Aug. 2020.

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More Definitions for chemistry

chemistry

noun
How to pronounce chemistry (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of chemistry

: a science that deals with the structure and properties of substances and with the changes that they go through
: the structure and properties of a substance : the way a substance changes and reacts with other substances
: a strong attraction between people

chemistry

noun
chem·​is·​try | \ ˈke-mə-strē How to pronounce chemistry (audio) \

Kids Definition of chemistry

1 : a science that deals with the composition and properties of substances and of the changes they undergo
2 : chemical composition and properties the chemistry of food

chemistry

noun
chem·​is·​try | \ ˈkem-ə-strē How to pronounce chemistry (audio) \
plural chemistries

Medical Definition of chemistry

1 : a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the transformations that they undergo
2a : the composition and chemical properties of a substance the chemistry of hemoglobin
b : chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism) blood chemistry

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More from Merriam-Webster on chemistry

Spanish Central: Translation of chemistry

Nglish: Translation of chemistry for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of chemistry for Arabic Speakers

Comments on chemistry

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