chemistry

noun

chem·​is·​try ˈke-mə-strē 

plural chemistries

1

: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the transformations that they undergo

2

a

: the composition and chemical properties of a substance

the chemistry of iron

b

: chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism)

blood chemistry

3

a

: 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

Recent Examples on the Web

After Buckingham and Nicks both released proper solo debuts in 1981, however, the band reconvened and regained some of its collaborative chemistry and emphasis on vocal harmonies on Mirage. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 9 Jan. 2025

Demand for a collaborative album from SZA and Kendrick Lamar has grown in recent years, as the pair’s chemistry has resulted in multiple fan-favorites. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 9 Jan. 2025

For all the merits of the singer’s full-band assemblies, his innate chemistry and near five-decade history with Nieve often lead to unexpected destinations and inspire him to dig deep into his massive catalog. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025

The Hulu show’s co-creator John Hoffman opened up about Short’s onscreen chemistry with costar Meryl Streep, who plays Loretta Durkin, in an October 2024 interview with Decider. —Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

earlier chymistrie, chymistrie, from chymist, chimist chemist + -ry, probably after earlier alchemistri, alcumistry "alchemy"

Note: Regarding distinctions between chemistry and alchemy see note at chemist.

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing chemistry

• chemistry set
• green chemistry
• inorganic chemistry
• organic chemistry

Kids Definition

chemistry

noun

chem·​is·​try ˈkem-ə-strē 

1

: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and with the changes that they go through

2

: chemical composition, properties, or processes

the chemistry of gasoline

the chemistry of iron

the chemistry of blood

chemist

-əst

noun

Etymology

an altered form of obsolete chimistry, chymistry "alchemy," derived from Latin alchimista "alchemist," from alchymia "alchemy," from Arabic al-kīmiyā' (same meaning), from al "the" and kīmiyā' "alchemy," from Greek chēmeia "alchemy" — related to alchemy, chemo-

Medical Definition

chemistry

noun

chem·​is·​try ˈkem-ə-strē 

plural chemistries

1

: a science that deals with the composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the transformations that they undergo

2

a

: the composition and chemical properties of a substance

the chemistry of hemoglobin

b

: chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism)

blood chemistry