Stoichiometry
/ˌstɔɪ.kiˈɒm.ə.tri/noun
The calculation of the quantitative relationships between substances involved in chemical reactions.
Did you know?The term was coined in 1792 by German chemist Jeremias Benjamin Richter from Greek words meaning “element” and “measure,” reflecting chemistry’s early pursuit of precise proportion.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
στοιχεῖον (stoikheion)
“An element, constituent part, or letter—the basic unit from which something is formed”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μέτρον (metron)
“A measure, standard, or means of measuring”
1792
German
Stöchiometrie
“The quantitative measurement of chemical elements and their proportions, coined by Jeremias Benjamin Richter”
Early 19th Century
French
stœchiométrie
“The measurement of the proportions of elements in chemical compounds and reactions”
19th Century
English
stoichiometry
“The calculation of quantitative relationships in chemical reactions”
Modern English
English
stoichiometry
“The quantitative analysis of reactants and products in chemical equations”