chemist

Where does the word "chemist" come from? It comes from Arabic al-kimiya, passing through Medieval Latin and French before entering English (1560s-1790s).

Chemist’s story begins in Arabic: al-kimiya meant “alchemy.” Probably from Greek 'khēmeia', the art of transmuting metals; the Arabic article al- was later dropped. By 1200s, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as alchimista. Entered Europe as Arabic learning was translated in Spain and Sicily. From there it passed into French as chimiste by 1560s. Shortened the long Latin term. It reached English by 1560s-1790s as chymist / chemist. First meant "alchemist"; by the 1620s a chemical scientist, and by 1745 also a druggist in British usage. Today, chemist means a scientist who studies chemistry, or, in British English, a pharmacist.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval al-kimiya "alchemy", probably from Greek 'khēmeia', the art of transmuting metals; the Arabic article al- was later dropped.
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · 1200s alchimista "practitioner of alchemy", entered Europe as Arabic learning was translated in Spain and Sicily.
3. Stage 3 · French · 1560s chimiste "alchemist", shortened the long Latin term.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1560s-1790s chymist / chemist "chemical scientist / pharmacist", first meant "alchemist"; by the 1620s a chemical scientist, and by 1745 also a druggist in British usage.