chemical
UK[ˈkemɪk(ə)l]US[ˈkemɪk(ə)l]
adj
Relating to chemistry, or the interactions of substances as studied in chemistry.
n
A distinct compound or substance, especially one which has been artificially prepared or purified.
Morpheme Breakdown
chem
ical
chem
alchemy
ical
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'chemical' is a direct descendant of the ancient practice of alchemy, the medieval precursor to modern chemistry. The root 'chem' is a shortening of 'alchemy', which entered European languages via Arabic, carrying the sense of transmutation and material transformation. The suffix '-ical' was attached in the early modern period to form an adjective meaning 'of or relating to alchemy/chemistry'. As alchemy evolved into the systematic science of chemistry, the term 'chemical' shed its mystical connotations and came to denote anything pertaining to the composition, properties, and reactions of substances.
Analysis
Structure: chem (alchemy) + ical (adjective suffix)
'chem' originates from the Medieval Latin 'alchimia' (alchemy), itself derived from the Arabic 'al-kīmiyā’, which traces back to the Greek 'khēmeía' (art of alloying metals). 'ical' is an English adjectival suffix from Latin '-icalis', meaning 'pertaining to'.
Examples
The chemical reaction produced a bright blue precipitate.
She works in the chemical industry, developing new polymers.
Avoid mixing these household chemicals, as they may create toxic fumes.