Chemisette to Chestnut
Chemisette
(Chem`i*sette") n.[F., dim. of chemise.] An under-garment, worn by women, usually covering
the neck, shoulders, and breast.
Chemism
(Chem"ism) n. [Cf. F. chimisme. See Chemistry.] The force exerted between the atoms
of elementary substance whereby they unite to form chemical compounds; chemical attaction; affinity; —
sometimes used as a general expression for chemical activity or relationship.
Chemist
(Chem"ist), n. [Shortened from alchemist; cf. F. chimiste.] A person versed in chemistry or
given to chemical investigation; an analyst; a maker or seller of chemicals or drugs.
Chemistry
(Chem"is*try) n. [From Chemist. See Alchemy.]
1. That branch of science which treats of the composition of substances, and of the changes which
they undergo in consequence of alterations in the constitution of the molecules, which depend upon
variations of the number, kind, or mode of arrangement, of the constituent atoms. These atoms are not
assumed to be indivisible, but merely the finest grade of subdivision hitherto attained. Chemistry deals
with the changes in the composition and constitution of molecules. See Atom, Molecule.
Historically, chemistry is an outgrowth of alchemy (or alchemistry), with which it was anciently identified.
2. An application of chemical theory and method to the consideration of some particular subject; as, the
chemistry of iron; the chemistry of indigo.
3. A treatise on chemistry.
This word and its derivatives were formerly written with y, and sometimes with i, instead of e, in the
first syllable, chymistry, chymist, chymical, etc., or chimistry, chimist, chimical, etc.; and the pronunciation
was conformed to the orthography.
Inorganic chemistry, that which treats of inorganic or mineral substances. — Organic chemistry,
that which treats of the substances which form the structure of organized beings and their products,
whether animal or vegetable; — called also chemistry of the carbon compounds. There is no fundamental
difference between organic and inorganic chemistry. — Physiological chemistry, the chemistry of the
organs and tissues of the body, and of the various physiological processes incident to life. — Practical
chemistry, or Applied chemistry, that which treats of the modes of manufacturing the products of
chemistry that are useful in the arts, of their applications to economical purposes, and of the conditions
essential to their best use. — Pure chemistry, the consideration of the facts and theories of chemistry
in their purely scientific relations, without necessary reference to their practical applications or mere
utility.
Chemitype
(Chem"i*type) n. [Chemical + -type.] (Engraving) One of a number of processes by which
an impression from an engraved plate is obtained in relief, to be used for printing on an ordinary printing
press.
Chemolysis
(Che*mol"y*sis) n. [Chemical + Gr. a loosing.] A term sometimes applied to the decomposition
of organic substance into more simple bodies, by the use of chemical agents alone. Thudichum.
Chemosmosis
(Chem`os*mo"sis) n. [Chemical + osmosis.] Chemical action taking place through an
intervening membrane.
Chemosmotic
(Chem`os*mot"ic) a. Pertaining to, or produced by, chemosmosis. [R.]
Chemung period
(Che*mung" pe"ri*od) (Geol.) A subdivision in the upper part of the Devonian system
in America, so named from the Chemung River, along which the rocks are well developed. It includes
the Portage and Chemung groups or epochs. See the Diagram under Geology.
