chemist
chemist — noun
1. someone whose work or research is in the scientific field of chemistry, studying
someone whose work or research is in the scientific field of chemistry, studying what substances are made of and how they react with each other
Dr. Okonkwo, a chemist at the university, spent years studying how metals react with air.
chemist at [institution] for research contexts
The team of chemists tested water samples from the local river every week.
After university, Mei found work as a chemist for a food company.
The young chemist wore safety glasses while she poured a liquid into a glass tube.
Kofi decided to become a chemist because he enjoyed mixing things in science class.
- scientist
broader term — all chemists are scientists, but not all scientists are chemists
- researcher
focuses on the investigative role rather than the specific field of chemistry
- biochemist
a chemist who specialises in the chemistry of living things
常見錯誤
2. a person trained to prepare drugs and give them to customers who need them for m
a person trained to prepare drugs and give them to customers who need them for medical treatment
The chemist read the doctor's note and gave Beatriz a bottle of cough medicine.
chemist + prescription: filling a doctor's order
When Tomás had a headache, the chemist suggested a painkiller that worked well.
Yara asked the chemist how many pills she should take each day.
The local chemist keeps a list of medicines that can cause problems when taken together.
Rashida took her grandmother's prescription to the chemist near the bus stop.
- pharmacist
the standard American English term; also common in formal British English
- dispenser
focuses on the act of giving out medicines; less common as a job title
用法筆記
This sense is common in British English but rare in American English, where 'pharmacist' is the usual word. 'Chemist' in this sense can also refer to the same person working in a hospital pharmacy.
常見錯誤
3. a place of business where medical items, beauty products, and everyday goods are
a place of business where medical items, beauty products, and everyday goods are sold to the public
Noa went to the chemist to buy some plasters for his finger.
There is a chemist on Main Street that sells toothpaste and soap.
chemist on [street/location]: describing where the shop is
The chemist near the park opens at nine in the morning.
Ines bought make-up and shampoo at the chemist yesterday.
The chemist on the corner also sells chocolate and cold drinks.
用法筆記
This sense is used mainly in British English. In American English, the equivalent is 'pharmacy' or 'drugstore'. Unlike American drugstores, British chemists usually do not serve meals or have large food sections.