chemic

adjective

chem·​ic ˈke-mik How to pronounce chemic (audio)
1
archaic : alchemic
2

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin chimicus, chymicus "alchemical," short for alchymicus, alkymicus, from alchymia, alkimia alchemy + -icus -ic entry 1

Note: As with other words that ultimately descend from alchemy, the e has been restored in spelling after Late Greek chēmeîa. Compare chemist, chemistry, and see the note at chemist.

First Known Use

1576, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chemic was in 1576

Dictionary Entries Near chemic

Cite this Entry

“Chemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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