Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Elixir
E-lix′ir
,Noun.
[F.
élixir
, Sp. elixir
, Ar. eliksīr
the philosopher’s stone, prob. from Gr. [GREEK] dry, (hence probably) a dry powder; cf. Skr. kshā
to burn.] 1.
(Med.)
A tincture with more than one base; a compound tincture or medicine, composed of various substances, held in solution by alcohol in some form.
2.
(Alchemy)
An imaginary liquor capable of transmuting metals into gold; also, one for producing life indefinitely;
as,
. elixir
vitæ, or the elixir
of life3.
The refined spirit; the quintessence.
The . . .
elixir
of worldly delights. South.
4.
Any cordial or substance which invigorates.
The grand
elixir
, to support the spirits of human nature. Addison.
Webster 1828 Edition
Elixir
ELIX'IR
, n.1.
In medicine, a compound tincture, extracted from two or more ingredients. A tincture is drawn from one ingredient; an elixir from several. But tincture is also applied to a composition of many ingredients. An elixir is a liquid medicine made by a strong infusion, where the ingredients are almost dissolved in the menstruum, and give it a thicker consistence than that of a tincture.2.
A liquor for transmuting metals into gold.3.
Quintessence; refined spirit.4.
Any cordial; that substance which invigorates.Definition 2024
elixir
elixir
English
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:
- (alchemy) A substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills and give eternal life.
- (by extension) The alleged cure for all ailments; cure-all, panacea.
- 2015, The Boston Globe, Steven Pinker, The moral imperative for bioethics:
- The silver-bullet cancer cures of yesterday’s newsmagazine covers, like interferon and angiogenesis inhibitors, disappointed the breathless expectations, as have elixirs such as antioxidants, Vioxx, and hormone replacement therapy.
- 2015, The Boston Globe, Steven Pinker, The moral imperative for bioethics:
- (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
Translations
alchemy: liquid which was believed to turn non-precious metals to gold
liquid which is believed to cure all ills
pharmacy: sweet taste-masking liquid