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noun B1 Intermediate Common

chemistry

KEHM-ih-stree

Chemistry (noun) means the branch of science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. Example: “She's studying chemistry at university.”

noun
1
The branch of science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances.
"She's studying chemistry at university."
2
A strong natural connection or attraction between people.
"The two leads had great chemistry on screen."

How to Use Chemistry

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe science of substances and their reactions, or informally, an obvious rapport between people.

Common pairings
organic chemistry have chemistry chemistry set

Word Forms

chemistries plural

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Fill the Gap

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She's studying _____ at university.

Etymology

Traces back through alchemy to Arabic al-kīmiyāʔ, itself rooted in Ancient Greek khumeia ("art of alloying metals").

Origin: Ancient Greek

Related Words

Rhymes for chemistry

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “chemistry” mean?

The word “chemistry” means the branch of science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. In plain terms, the science of substances and their reactions, or informally, an obvious rapport between people.

How do you pronounce “chemistry”?

“Chemistry” is pronounced KEHM-ih-stree (/ˈkɛm.ɪ.stɹi/ in IPA).

How do you use “chemistry” in a sentence?

Here is “chemistry” used in a sentence: “She's studying chemistry at university.”

What part of speech is “chemistry”?

“Chemistry” is a noun.

Where does the word “chemistry” come from?

The word “chemistry” comes from Ancient Greek. Traces back through alchemy to Arabic al-kīmiyāʔ, itself rooted in Ancient Greek khumeia ("art of alloying metals").

Is “chemistry” a common word?

“Chemistry” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “chemistry” have?

“Chemistry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the branch of science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances.

What is the difference between chemistry and physics?

Chemistry studies the composition, properties, and reactions of substances, focusing on how matter changes and combines. Physics is broader, examining matter, energy, motion, and the fundamental forces that govern the universe.

What is the difference between chemistry and biology?

Chemistry deals with substances, their structure, and their reactions, while biology studies living organisms and life processes. Biochemistry is the overlapping field that applies chemistry to living things.

What are common collocations with 'chemistry'?

In science you often see organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and a chemistry lab. For the human sense, common phrases include personal chemistry, good chemistry, and on-screen chemistry.

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