ScienceJuly 10, 2026

geochemist

/ˌdʒiːoʊˈkɛmɪst/

Definition

A scientist who specializes in the study of the chemical composition of and the chemical processes occurring within the Earth and other planets.

Etymology

The word is a combination of the Greek 'geo' (Earth) and 'chemist.' It emerged in the 20th century to describe the growing scientific discipline focused on the chemical properties of Earth's materials.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe Matthew Wielicki's professional background as a former academic, highlighting the irony that someone with this scientific training would be appointed to lead a climate assessment while attacking established climate science.

'Like Putting a Flat Earther in Charge of NASA': Trump Appoints Climate Denier to Key Climate Post

Read the full article ↗

Common Dreams

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