I. ˈkemə̇kəl, -ēk- adjective
Etymology: alteration of earlier chimical, from chimic (earlier form of chemic ) + -al
1.
a. obsolete : alchemical
b. archaic : of or relating to Paracelsian medicine specifically as it opposes Galenic medicine
2. : relating to applications of chemistry: as
a. : acting or operated by chemical means
a chemical extinguisher
b. : treated with or performed by the aid of chemicals
chemical development in photography
c. : produced by chemical means or synthesized from chemicals
chemical fiber
chemical rubber
d. : suitable for use in or used for operations in chemistry
a chemical laboratory
a chemical plant
3. : having reference to or relating to the science of chemistry: as
a. : occupied with chemistry
a chemical researcher
chemical societies
b. : dealing with chemistry
a chemical journal
chemical nomenclature
c. : characterized by the phenomena of chemistry
chemical changes
chemical forces
4. : of or relating to rocks (as gypsum, salt, and most limestones) that are deposited from solution
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of earlier chimical, from chimical, adjective
: a substance (as an acid, alkali, salt, synthetic organic compound) obtained by a chemical process, prepared for use in chemical manufacture, or used for producing a chemical effect — see fine chemical , heavy chemical
III. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: chemicalize