Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Substances with a distinct molecular composition: "Chemicals" refers to any basic substance that is used in or produced by a chemical process, especially those used in industry, agriculture, or science.
   • Synthetic or manufactured substances: In everyday language, "chemicals" often means artificial or man-made substances, especially those that may be harmful or used in cleaning, manufacturing, or farming.

Usage Examples

• (Harmful substances produced by an industrial process.)
• (Artificial substances used for cleaning.)
• (Naturally occurring substances with a specific molecular structure.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a cocktail of chemicals": to contain a mixture of different chemical substances.

  • The polluted air is a dangerous cocktail of chemicals. (The air contains many harmful substances combined.)

• "to be free of chemicals": to contain no synthetic or artificial substances.

  • This organic food is free of chemicals. (It has no added artificial substances.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chemical (noun, singular): a single substance with a defined molecular composition.
  • Water is a common chemical. (Water is a basic substance.)
• Chemical (adjective): relating to chemistry or the properties of substances.
  • A chemical reaction occurs when the two liquids are mixed. (A process involving changes in molecular structure.)

Synonyms

• Substances: general term for materials with specific properties.
• Compounds: substances formed by two or more elements chemically bonded.
• Agents: substances that cause a particular effect (e.g., cleaning agents).

Related Idioms

• "to be on a chemical high" (informal): to experience a feeling of euphoria due to drugs or natural brain chemicals.

  • He was on a chemical high after winning the race. (His brain released natural chemicals that made him feel euphoric.)

• "to have a chemical imbalance": to have an abnormal level of certain substances in the body, often affecting mood or health.

  • The doctor said his depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. (An abnormal level of brain chemicals.)

Note on Usage

• In scientific contexts, "chemicals" includes all substances, whether natural or synthetic. In everyday language, "chemicals" often implies artificial or potentially harmful substances, but this is a simplification. For example, water and oxygen are also chemicals, but they are not typically called "chemicals" in casual conversation.