chemistry
KEHM-ih-stree
Chemistry (noun) means the branch of science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances. Example: “Our chemistry lesson today is about how acids react with metals.”
noun
1
The branch of science concerned with the composition, properties, and reactions of substances.
"Our chemistry lesson today is about how acids react with metals."
"He wants to teach chemistry at a secondary school."
"She's studying chemistry at university."
2
A strong natural connection or attraction between people.
"There was no chemistry between them, and the date ended early."
"You can tell the two friends have real chemistry when they work together."
"The two leads had great chemistry on screen."
"The coach attributed their losses to poor team chemistry."
"The on-screen chemistry between the lead actors led many viewers to believe they were a couple in real life."
How to use chemistry
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe science of substances and their reactions, or informally, an obvious rapport between people.
Common pairings
organic chemistry
have chemistry
chemistry set
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Word forms
- Plural
- chemistries
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Our _____ lesson today is about how acids react with metals.
Etymology
Traces back through alchemy to Arabic al-kīmiyāʔ, itself rooted in Ancient Greek khumeia ("art of alloying metals").
Related words
Rhymes for chemistry
See all rhymes for chemistry →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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