alchemy Definition
a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the discovery of a means of indefinitely prolonging life.
Using alchemy: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "alchemy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The alchemy of turning lead into gold has been a subject of fascination for centuries.
Example
Alchemy was practiced in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Example
The alchemists believed that they could discover a universal cure for disease.
alchemy Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for alchemy
Phrases with alchemy
philosopher's stone
a legendary substance that alchemists believed could turn base metals into gold and grant eternal life
Example
The search for the philosopher's stone was a central goal of alchemy.
Example
The alchemists searched for the elixir of life in their quest for immortality.
a philosophical and religious tradition based on the writings of Hermes Trismegistus, which influenced alchemy
Example
Hermeticism was an important influence on the development of alchemy.
Origins of alchemy
from Old French 'alquemie', from Medieval Latin 'alchymia', from Arabic 'al-kīmiyā', from Greek 'khēmeia'
Summary: alchemy in Brief
'Alchemy' [ˈælkəmi] is a medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy that aimed to transmute base metals into gold, discover a universal cure for disease, and find a means of prolonging life. It was practiced in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Alchemy is associated with the search for the philosopher's stone and the elixir of life, as well as with the philosophical and religious tradition of hermeticism.
