'biochemistry' originates from the Greek word 'bios' meaning 'life' and the word 'chemistry', which is derived from the Arabic word 'al-kīmiyā', meaning 'alchemy'.

'Biochemistry' was coined in the early 20th century to describe the study of chemical processes in living organisms.

Initially, it meant 'the chemistry of life processes', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.