chemical reaction

[kem-i-kuhl ree-ak-shuhn]

noun

1. Chemistry.,  reaction.

chemical reaction

noun

1. a process that involves changes in the structure and energy content of atoms, molecules, or ions but not their nuclei Compare nuclear reaction

chemical reaction

1. A process in which atoms of the same or different elements rearrange themselves to form a new substance. While they do so, they either absorb heat or give it off.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemical reaction¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

An impromptu exchange on chemical reactions followed, with the judge probing her on laboratory processes.

From BBC

The room itself is about the size of a football pitch, and home to row after row of huge metal vats within which chemical reactions force the different rare earths apart.

From BBC

Firefighters let it burn, citing the dangers of dousing lithium-ion battery fires with water, which can cause dangerous chemical reactions.

From Los Angeles Times

Mixing alcohol alongside other drugs is one of the most common forms of polydrug use and can seriously increase the strength and impact of those substances, increasing the chances of a potentially fatal chemical reaction.

From BBC

In some regions called chemosynthetic ecosystems, creatures produce food using the energy from chemical reactions rather than sunlight.

From Salon

Related Words

• vicious circle