elixir
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English
Etymology
From Medieval Latin elixir, from Arabic الإكسير (al-’iksīr), from Ancient Greek ξήριον (“medicinal powder”), from ξηρός (“dry”).
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ɪˈlɪksə/
Noun
elixir (plural elixirs)
- (alchemy) A liquid which converts lead to gold.
- 2002, Philip Ball, The Elements: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford 2004, p. 59:
- For Chinese alchemists, gold held the key to the Elixir, the Eastern equivalent of the Philosopher's Stone.
- 2002, Philip Ball, The Elements: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford 2004, p. 59:
- A liquid which is believed to cure all ills and gives eternal life.
- (pharmacy) A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste.
Derived terms
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