chemist

[kem-ist]

noun

1. a specialist in chemistry.

2. British.,  a druggist.

3. Obsolete.,  alchemist.

chemist

/ ˈkɛmɪst /

noun

1. a shop selling medicines, cosmetics, etc

2. a qualified dispenser of prescribed medicines

3. a person studying, trained in, or engaged in chemistry

4. an obsolete word for alchemist

Other Word Forms

• nonchemist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemist¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Greek chēm(ía) (also chēmeía, chymeía ) “art of alloying metals; alchemy” + -ist; replacing chymist, from Medieval Latin alchimista; alchemist ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of chemist¹

C16: from earlier chimist, from New Latin chimista, shortened from Medieval Latin alchimista _alchemist

Example Sentences

Her local chemist returned her prescription and she's tried six others, but none have the drug in stock.

From BBC

Stamp had met Elizabeth O'Rourke in a chemist shop in Australia.

From BBC

In November 2024, the BBC and Watershed Investigations sent more than 20 of those samples to a team of forensic chemists specialising in environmental pollution from Manchester Metropolitan University.

From BBC

These products can all be bought over the counter in your local chemist.

From BBC

To address scars, Davis uses treatments invented by Danné Montague-King, a gay man and cosmetic chemist who developed a line of skincare products designed to treat hyperpigmentation from acne scars.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analyst 
• expert 
• physicist