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chemistry

 - 6 dictionary results

chem⋅is⋅try

[kem-uh-stree]
–noun, plural -tries.
1. the science that deals with the composition and properties of substances and various elementary forms of matter. Compare element (def. 2).
2. chemical properties, reactions, phenomena, etc.: the chemistry of carbon.
3. the interaction of one personality with another: The chemistry between him and his boss was all wrong.
4. sympathetic understanding; rapport: the astonishing chemistry between the actors.
5. any or all of the elements that make up something: the chemistry of love.

Origin:
1590–1600; chemist + -ry; r. chymistry, chimistry
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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chem·is·try   (kěm'ĭ-strē)   
n.   pl. chem·is·tries
  1. The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems.

  2. The composition, structure, properties, and reactions of a substance.

  3. The elements of a complex entity and their dynamic interrelation: "Now that they had a leader, a restless chemistry possessed the group" (John Updike).

  4. Mutual attraction or sympathy; rapport: The chemistry was good between the partners.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

chemistry

The study of the composition, properties, and reactions of matter, particularly at the level of atoms and molecules.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

chemistry 
1605 (see chemical), originally "alchemy;" the meaning "natural physical process" is 1646, and the scientific study not so called until 1788. The figurative sense of "instinctual attraction or affinity" is older, c.1600, from the alchemical sense.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: chem·is·try
Pronunciation: 'kem-&-strE
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -tries
1 : a sciencethat 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 substancechemistry of hemoglobin> b : chemical processes and phenomena (as of an organism) chemistry>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

chemistry chem·is·try (kěm'ĭ-strē)
n.
Abbr. chem.

  1. The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems.

  2. The composition, structure, properties, and reactions of a substance.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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