'chemical-resistant' is a compound of 'chemical' and 'resistant'. 'chemical' originates from Medieval Latin 'chemicus' via Old French 'chimique', ultimately from Greek 'khēmia' (related to 'alchemy' and the practice of transforming substances). 'resistant' originates from Latin 'resistere' via Old French 'resister', where 're-' meant 'back' and 'sistere' (from 'stare') meant 'to stand'.

'chemical' moved into English from Old French 'chimique' and Medieval Latin 'chemicus', becoming 'chemical' in Early Modern English; 'resistant' came into English from Old French/Latin forms (e.g. Old French 'resister') and Middle English adaptations, giving the modern adjective 'resistant'. The compound 'chemical-resistant' is a transparent, modern English compound formed by joining the two words.

Initially, 'chemical' was closely tied to 'alchemy' and the notion of transmutation; over time it narrowed and shifted to mean 'relating to chemistry or chemicals.' 'resistant' originally meant 'to stand back' or 'oppose'; it evolved into the modern sense of 'not easily affected by' or 'able to withstand.' Combined, the compound now specifically describes materials or items that resist chemical action or damage.