Chemic

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkÉ›mɪk/Rhymes: -É›mɪk

Alternative forms

• chymic from 16th c.
• chymick 16th-18th c.

Origin

From Late Latin chemicus, chimicus, chymicus.

Full definition of chemic

Adjective

1. (archaic) Practising chemistry (or, earlier, alchemy); pertaining to these sciences.
2. (obsolete) Produced through alchemy; counterfeit.
• 1819, Lord Byron, Don Juan, I.217:a chymic treasure
  Is glittering Youth, which I have spent betimes—
  My heart in passion, and my head on rhymes.
3. (now rare) Chemical.

Noun

1. (now rare) A chemist or (earlier) an alchemist.
• 1633, John Donne, "The Comparison":like the Chymicks masculine equall fire,
  Which in the Lymbecks warme wombe doth inspire
  Into th'earths worthlesse part a soule of gold ...
2. (obsolete) A solution of chloride of lime, used in bleaching.