Every month, we take a look at a word in the headlines, in English, for your English. See more at The Word of the Month.
Definitions
Chemistry (noun): The science of matter, aka the science of change, aka the central science.
Also: A feeling or rapport between people.
Ex: The chemistry between Obama and Putin has never been better.
Chemistry in the News
Following the use of chemical weapons in Syria, western powers are debating war/ intervention.
For the US, this would be the 3rd war/ intervention in 10 years, breaking their record for wars per decade.
Know your evil gasses
Tear Gas: Invades eyes, causing pain and crying. Perfect for riots or emotionless boyfriends.
Mustard Gas: A World War I innovation. Causes burns in lungs and skin. Pleasant garlic aroma though.
Nerve Gas: Causes convulsions, nervous system failure and asphyxiation. No joke to be made.
Elemental Knowledge
In the US, a chemist is a scientist with a white coat and safety goggles.
In the UK, a chemist sells you aspirin and condoms (a pharmacist).
The ‘ch’ in ‘chemistry’ makes a ‘k’ sound, like kill, not chill. Incidentally, we should chill, not kill.
Take a look through our Word of the Month archives, or improve your English with gymglish.com.