What does chemistry mean?
Chemistry is the branch of physical science that studies matter—what substances are made of, how their structures determine their properties, and how they transform through reactions with one another. Ranging from organic chemistry, which explores carbon-based compounds central to life, to inorganic and physical chemistry, it underpins medicine, materials science, energy production, and countless industrial processes. Beyond the laboratory, the word carries a well-established figurative meaning: the intangible spark or rapport that makes two people connect, whether romantically or in effective collaboration. This dual usage gives the word both technical precision and popular warmth. Derived historically from alchemy, the medieval pursuit of transmutation, chemistry evolved into a rigorous empirical discipline during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Today it is one of the foundational sciences, taught in schools worldwide and essential to understanding the material world.
The branch of science that deals with the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances.
"Advances in chemistry have enabled the development of new antibiotics."
Often modified by adjectives indicating a subdiscipline, e.g. 'analytical chemistry' or 'biochemistry'.
An instinctive mutual attraction or rapport between people.
"The actors had such good chemistry that audiences assumed they were a couple off screen."
Informal register; typically used without an article when describing a relationship ('there was chemistry between them').
The plural is rare and generally confined to informal contexts referring to multiple instances of interpersonal rapport, rather than to branches of the science.
"The film works because of the many chemistries among its ensemble cast."
Chemistry descends directly from 'alchemy' — the word scientists once used to mock as magic became the science that explains everything from your morning coffee to the stars.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of chemistry
Chemistry derives from 'alchemy', which entered English from Old French and ultimately traces back through Medieval Latin 'alchemia' to Arabic 'al-kīmiyā'. The Arabic term likely came from Greek 'khēmeia' (or 'khumeia'), possibly rooted in Greek 'khēmia' referring to Egypt—the ancient land associated with metallurgy—or from Greek 'kheō' meaning 'to pour'. During the seventeenth century, as alchemical practice gave way to modern empirical science, the shortened form 'chemistry' emerged to name the new discipline.
Related word forms
How chemistry is actually used
In everyday speech, the figurative sense of 'chemistry' meaning interpersonal attraction is common and informal, especially in discussions of dating and teamwork. The scientific sense is neutral in register. Pluralizing the noun is rare and generally limited to informal talk of multiple interpersonal dynamics.
Easily confused with chemistry
Alchemy is the medieval precursor practice focused on transmuting metals and seeking an elixir of life, whereas chemistry is the modern empirical science of matter.