nonchemical
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /nɒnˈkɛmɪkəl/
KK: /nɑnˈkɛmɪkəl/
adjective
Definition
Not related to or involving chemicals.
Example
The farmer used nonchemical methods to control pests in his crops.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new nonchemical cleaning products?
Yeah, I've read they are safer for the environment.
Exactly! I want to switch to nonchemical options for my home.
That's a great idea; they can be just as effective.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
natural
organic
biological
Antonyms
synthetic
artificial
chemical
noun
Definition
A substance that does not contain any chemicals or is not made from chemical compounds.
Example
The researchers focused on nonchemical methods to control pests in the garden.
Conversation
Have you heard about that new nonchemical cleaner they released?
Yeah, I saw an ad for it; it sounds pretty interesting!
I wonder if it really works as well as the chemical ones.
Root Explanation
Nonchemical → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "chemical" (from Greek "khemia", meaning the art of transmuting metals). The word "nonchemical" refers to something that is not related to or does not involve chemicals.
Memory Tip
Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'chemical' relating to the art of substances — so 'nonchemical' means something that is not related to substances or chemicals.
Visually Confused Words
unchemical
chemical
zoochemical
prochemical
geochemical
biochemical
technochemical
noachical