chemical
chemical — noun
1. a type of matter, either natural or human-made, that is created through or emplo
a type of matter, either natural or human-made, that is created through or employed in reactions where atoms or molecules change how they are arranged or connected
The factory was fined for dumping toxic chemicals into the nearby river.
countable plural: toxic chemicals
Aiko wore rubber gloves when handling the cleaning chemical under the sink.
countable singular: cleaning chemical
Scientists at the lab discovered a new chemical that kills bacteria on surfaces.
This swimming pool contains a chemical that keeps the water clear and safe.
Some food companies add chemical preservatives to make their products last longer.
文法句型
chemical + noun (compound noun)
often used in plural: chemicals
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'chemicals' when referring to multiple substances in a general or industrial context.
常見錯誤
chemical — adjective
1. relating to the scientific study of what substances are made of, how they change
relating to the scientific study of what substances are made of, how they change, and how they join or break apart
Ravi enjoyed his chemical experiments more than any other class at school.
chemical + noun: chemical experiments
The nurse studied the chemical structure of the medicine before giving it.
A chemical reaction between vinegar and baking soda created bubbles in the jar.
Dr. Okafor published a paper on the chemical properties of the new material.
The Watanabe family donated old chemical equipment to the university lab.
- chemistry
used as a noun modifier: 'chemistry lab' vs 'chemical lab' — mostly interchangeable in this sense
文法句型
chemical + noun (relating to chemistry)
用法筆記
This sense describes things that belong to the field of chemistry itself — formulas, labs, textbooks, processes. Do not confuse with the 'MAN-MADE' sense, which describes products that contain artificial substances.
常見錯誤
2. containing or made from artificial substances created by humans through industri
containing or made from artificial substances created by humans through industrial or laboratory processes, rather than occurring naturally
Many farmers now use chemical fertilizers to help their crops grow faster.
collocation: chemical fertilizers
Leila prefers natural cleaning products over chemical sprays for her kitchen.
contrast with: natural products
The factory in Tianjin produces chemical additives used in plastic bottles.
Some people worry about chemical preservatives in packaged foods and drinks.
The gardener avoided chemical pesticides and used natural methods to protect the soil.
- synthetic
more formal; specifically means human-made rather than natural
- artificial
broader; can mean any human-made imitation of something natural
- processed
refers to ingredients that have been changed through industrial methods
文法句型
chemical + noun (containing or made with artificial substances)
用法筆記
Common in discussions about food, farming, and household products. Often contrasted with 'natural' or 'organic'. This sense is the one most frequently used in everyday shopping and health contexts.