chem·i·cal
ˈke-mi-kəl 
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry or the phenomena of chemistry
chemical reactions
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
a chemical fire extinguisher
b
: detectable by chemical means
1
: a substance obtained by a chemical process or producing a chemical effect
2
Examples of chemical in a Sentence
Adjective
They studied the compound's chemical structure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Daniel Apai, Space.com, 15 June 2025
The serum contains azelaic and glycolic acid, both chemical exfoliants.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Chemical Control Options Spraying the foliage of any vine that is covering a shrub or is surrounded by desirable landscape plants with any type of chemical or natural herbicide like vinegar is not practical.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for chemical
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Adjective
Scientists know a lot about life on Earth, but most astrobiologists agree that more exotic types of life – perhaps based on different combinations of chemical elements and solvents – are possible.
—Daniel Apai, Space.com, 15 June 2025
The serum contains azelaic and glycolic acid, both chemical exfoliants.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
Noun
In 1987-88, the Iranian population and leadership alike truly feared that Saddam would saturate the country’s major population centers with lethal chemical agents, either dropped by warplanes or fitted atop his missiles.
—Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Chemical Control Options Spraying the foliage of any vine that is covering a shrub or is surrounded by desirable landscape plants with any type of chemical or natural herbicide like vinegar is not practical.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for chemical
Cite this Entry
“Chemical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemical. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
chemical
1 of 2 adjective
chem·i·cal
ˈkem-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
chemical
2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as an element or compound) obtained from a chemical process or used to get a chemical result
Medical Definition
chemical
1 of 2 adjective
chem·i·cal
ˈkem-i-kəl
1
: of, relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry
2
a
: acting or operated or produced by chemicals
b
: detectable by chemical means
chemical
2 of 2 noun1
: a substance (as an element or chemical compound) obtained by a chemical process or used for producing a chemical effect
2
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