psychochemical
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //saɪˈkoʊ.kəˌmɛk.əl//
KK: /saɪˈkoʊkɛmɪkəl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to substances that affect the mind or behavior, often used in the context of psychology and pharmacology.
Example
The study focused on the psychochemical effects of certain drugs on mood and perception.
Conversation
Have you heard about the new study on psychochemical effects of meditation?
No, I haven't! What does it say?
It suggests that meditation can really alter our psychochemical balance for the better.
That sounds fascinating! I should definitely try to meditate more often.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
neurochemical
psychotropic
cognitive
Antonyms
nonpsychotropic
unrelated
physical
noun
Definition
A substance that affects the mind or behavior, often used in the context of drugs that influence mental processes.
Example
Many psychochemicals are studied for their effects on mood and perception.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of a psychochemical before?
Yeah, I think it’s related to some kinds of drugs, right?
Exactly! It's fascinating how even small changes can affect the mind.
Root Explanation
Psychochemical → It is formed from "psycho-" (from Greek "psukhē", meaning soul or mind) and "chemical" (from Greek "khēmeia", meaning the art of transmuting metals). The word refers to the chemical processes that affect the mind or soul.
Memory Tip
Think of 'psycho-' relating to the 'mind' and 'chemical' referring to 'substances' that can influence it. This helps you remember that 'psychochemical' involves substances that affect mental processes.
Visually Confused Words
pyrochemical
phytochemical
photochemical
prochemical