Chemical Meaning
Chemical Definition & Usage
Relating to, used in, or produced by chemistry or chemicals.
Examples
- "The chemical properties of the substance make it highly reactive."
- "He studied chemical engineering at the university."
- "Chemical reactions occur when molecules interact at the atomic level."
- "The chemical composition of the material affects its strength."
- "She was fascinated by the chemical bonds that form between atoms in molecules."
A substance, especially one that is artificially prepared, that is used in or produced by chemical processes.
Examples
- "The laboratory is stocked with a variety of chemicals for the experiment."
- "Farmers often use chemical fertilizers to enhance crop growth."
- "This chemical is harmful if it comes in contact with skin."
- "The spill caused a hazardous chemical reaction that required immediate attention."
- "The company specializes in the production of cleaning chemicals."
Cultural Context
The word 'chemical' is deeply rooted in the development of science, particularly chemistry. Its use expanded as the field evolved from alchemy into modern chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. As industries advanced, chemicals became integral to sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and medicine.
The Chemical Enigma
Story
The Chemical Enigma
In a small, dimly lit laboratory tucked away in the corner of a prestigious university, Dr. Elena Carter was immersed in her latest experiment. Surrounded by an array of test tubes, beakers, and chemical reagents, she was on the brink of discovering a new formula that could revolutionize energy storage. The chemical reaction she was trying to observe had proved elusive for weeks, but today, there was something different. A slight shift in temperature had caused the chemicals to react in a way that hadn’t been documented before. 'It's working!' Elena muttered to herself as the substance began to bubble and change color. The chemicals in the solution, a mixture of rare compounds, seemed to be interacting in an unprecedented manner. She carefully monitored the temperature and pH levels, knowing that even the slightest variation could cause the chemical balance to collapse. As she watched the liquid swirl, Elena's mind wandered to the potential applications of this discovery. This chemical process, if perfected, could help create batteries that lasted ten times longer than current models. The possibilities were endless. Yet, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she was on the verge of a breakthrough that might also pose unforeseen risks. It was a chemical balancing act between progress and caution. Later that evening, Elena met with her colleague, Dr. Aaron Fisher, a chemical engineer who specialized in environmental safety. 'Do you think these chemicals could pose a danger if they were used at scale?' she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Aaron took a long sip of coffee, considering her words carefully. 'Any chemical, no matter how promising, has the potential to be hazardous. We just have to ensure that proper safety protocols are in place.' The conversation was a stark reminder that every chemical breakthrough came with its own set of challenges. But Elena was undeterred. She had made a commitment to the chemical sciences, knowing that every discovery, no matter how small, brought humanity one step closer to unlocking the secrets of the natural world. As the evening wore on, Elena returned to her lab, eager to continue her work. She knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges, but she was ready. After all, she was a chemist, and for her, the pursuit of knowledge was always worth the risk.