HealthSeptember 1, 2026
physicochemical
FIZ-ih-koh-KEM-ih-kuhl
Definition
Relating to both physical and chemical properties of a substance.
Etymology
The word is a 19th-century compound combining the prefix 'physico-' (from the Greek 'physikos' meaning natural) and the word 'chemical'. It emerged in scientific contexts to describe processes that involve both physical and chemical phenomena.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the types of technical data manufacturers should provide for food-contact chemicals to ensure transparency and safety. It highlights the need for comprehensive information about these materials to properly assess their impact.
Food packaging chemicals of concern need group-based scrutiny, scientists urge
Read the full article ↗Packaging Insights