Chemistries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A branch of science studying the properties and reactions of substances, including their interactions and transformations in various contexts
2. The various forms or specialized practices of chemical science that focus on interactions between elements and compounds
3. Distinct approaches or methodologies in understanding chemical processes and their implications across different fields or industries

Etymology: The plural "chemistries" is simply the form of "chemistry" used when speaking of several distinct branches or systems of the science, and it is the plural of a word that has come a long way from pouring liquids. Ancient Greek "khumeia" meant the art of alloying metals, and its root "khuma" means "fluid," from "kheo," "to pour." Arabic writers took the word as "al-kimiya," with the Arabic article attached, and Medieval Latin turned it into "alchimia," the root of the English "alchemy." Along the way the word also developed the sense of a practice of transforming substances, which later helped shape what chemistry became. The word "chemistry" itself was first coined in 1605, formed in English from "chemist" with the suffix "-ry." "Chemist" came through "chymist," from Latin "alchimista," which likewise traces back to the Greek and Arabic forms above.