geochemistry

noun

geo·​chem·​is·​try ˌjē-ō-ˈke-mə-strē 

1

: a science that deals with the chemical composition of and chemical changes in the solid matter of the earth or a celestial body (such as the moon)

2

: the related chemical and geologic properties of a substance

geochemical

ˌjē-ō-ˈke-mi-kəl 

adjective

geochemically

ˌjē-ō-ˈke-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

geochemist

ˌjē-ō-ˈke-mist 

noun

Examples of geochemistry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This pathway, known as the acetyl-CoA pathway, is believed to have been one of the earliest methods of carbon fixation, providing a possible link between the geochemistry of ancient hot springs and the biology of the first living organisms. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

The team collected a range of samples in South Africa and analyzed the rocks’ compositions and geochemistry. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024

A little geochemistry goes a long way towards understanding a volcanic system! —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024

Ice cores provide a valuable history of isotopic geochemistry that dates back only as long as the ice has been continually frozen. —Carly Miller, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

geochemistry

noun

geo·​chem·​is·​try ˈjē-ō-ˈkem-ə-strē 

: a science that deals with the chemical composition of and chemical changes in the solid material of the earth or of another body (as the moon)

geochemical

-ˈkem-i-kəl 

adjective

geochemist

-ˈkem-əst 

noun