chemical
gb/kˈɛmɪkəl/ us/kˈɛmɪkəl/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A substance with a specific chemical makeup
A substance made from certain elements, often used in science or industry.
Usage pattern:
[a/an/the] chemical
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'chemical' (a noun) with 'chemistry' (the science). For example, saying 'This is a dangerous chemistry' instead of 'This is a dangerous chemical.'
Synonyms
compound (More technical; refers specifically to a substance formed from two or more elements chemically bonded.)
|
substance (A broader term that can refer to any kind of matter, not just those defined by chemistry.)
Antonyms
biological material (Refers to naturally occurring organic matter rather than synthetic or processed chemicals.)
Collocations
toxic chemical
|harmful chemical
|chemical reaction
|chemical plant
|chemical formula
Themes
science
|industry
|environment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The factory was fined for releasing harmful chemicals into the river.
- Chlorine is a chemical used to disinfect water.
- Some cleaning products contain strong chemicals that can irritate your skin.
- Scientists discovered a new chemical that could help store energy more efficiently.
Learner examples
- Water is a chemical made of hydrogen and oxygen.
- This cleaner has a strong chemical in it.
- The lab tests the chemicals for safety.
- He studies different chemicals in the lab.
adjective
B1
property
2
Related to chemistry or chemicals
About chemistry or substances used in chemistry.
Usage pattern:
[chemical] [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'chemical' (adjective) with 'chemist' (a person who works with chemicals).
Synonyms
chemistry-related (Less common; explicitly links to the field of chemistry.)
Antonyms
physical (In science, relates to physical properties rather than chemical ones.)
Collocations
chemical reaction
|chemical process
|chemical composition
|chemical warfare
Themes
science
|industry
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Chemical reactions release energy in different forms.
- The company follows strict guidelines for chemical safety.
- We studied the chemical structure of the new material.
- Chemical weapons are banned under international law.
Learner examples
- We learned about chemical changes in school.
- Fire is caused by a chemical reaction.
- The drink changed color because of a chemical process.
- Chemical tests showed the water is safe.
Grammar
Dictionary form
chemical
IPA
GB/kˈɛmɪkəl/
US/kˈɛmɪkəl/
Syllables & stress
chem - ic - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (chem)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: chemical
Noun
- Base: chemical
- Plural: chemicals
Word family
Forms
chemicals
noun
Related words
biochemistry
noun C1
biochemical
adjective
Advanced or less common
petrochemical
noun
Expressions
chemical reaction
1/kˈɛmɪkəl ɹiˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
Process where substances change chemically
A process in which one or more substances change into new substances.
Examples
- Combustion is a type of chemical reaction that releases heat and light.
- The rusting of iron is caused by a slow chemical reaction with oxygen.
chemical compound
1/kˈɛmɪkəl kˈɑmpaʊnd/
fixed phrase
technical
Substance of bonded elements
A substance made when two or more elements join together chemically.
Examples
- Water is a chemical compound made of hydrogen and oxygen.
- Water is the most familiar chemical compound on Earth.
- Salt is a common chemical compound found in kitchens.
- The lab discovered a new chemical compound that can store energy efficiently.
- Each chemical compound has its own set of physical and chemical properties.
chemical warfare
1/kˈɛmɪkəl wˈɔɹfˌɛɹ/
fixed phrase
technical
Use of toxic chemicals in war
The use of poisonous chemicals as weapons during war.
Examples
- Chemical warfare is prohibited under international law.
- Chemical warfare is banned by many international treaties.
- The army trained to protect soldiers from chemical warfare attacks.
- The army trained soldiers to protect themselves from chemical warfare.