{ n. Formerly also }. [ Chemical + Gr. &unr_; arrangement, fr. &unr_; to arrange. ] (Biol.) The sensitiveness exhibited by small free-swimming organisms, as bacteria, zoospores of algæ, etc., to chemical substances held in solution. They may be attracted (positive chemotaxis) or repelled (negative chemotaxis). -- Chem`o*tac"tic a. -- Chem`o*tac"tic*al*ly, adv. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ Chemical + Gr. &unr_; a loosing. ] A term sometimes applied to the decomposition of organic substance into more simple bodies, by the use of chemical agents alone. Thudichum. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; a swelling of the cornea resembling a cockleshell, fr. &unr_; a gaping, hence a cockleshell. ] (Med.) Inflammatory swelling of the conjunctival tissue surrounding the cornea. -- Che*mot"ic a. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

n. [ Chemical + osmosis. ] Chemical action taking place through an intervening membrane. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to, or produced by, chemosmosis. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. adsorption (especially when irreversible) by means of chemical instead of physical forces; as, chemosorption of gaseous nitrogen on iron catalysts.
Syn. -- chemisorption. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adj. having the capacity to adsorb by chemical as contrasted with physical forces. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Chemical + synthesis. ] (Plant Physiol.) Synthesis of organic compounds by energy derived from chemical changes or reactions. Chemosynthesis of carbohydrates occurs in the nitrite bacteria through the oxidation of ammonia to nitrous acid, and in the nitrate bacteria through the conversion of nitrous into nitric acid. -- Chem`o*syn*thet"ic a. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

adj. of or pertaining to chemotherapy; using chemotherapy; having properties beneficial for chemotherapy. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. the use of chemical agents to treat or control disease (or mental illness); -- also used especially in reference to the use of chemicals to treat cancer. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]