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elixir

noun
elix·​ir | \ i-ˈlik-sər How to pronounce elixir (audio) \

Definition of elixir

1a(1) : a substance held capable of changing base metals into gold
(2) : a substance held capable of prolonging life indefinitely
b(1) : cure-all
(2) : a medicinal concoction
2 : a sweetened liquid usually containing alcohol that is used in medication either for its medicinal ingredients or as a flavoring
3 : the essential principle
Synonyms Alchemist: Someone Who Transforms Things for the Better Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about elixir

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Alchemist: Someone Who Transforms Things for the Better

Today we recognize alchemy as a pseudoscience, and give chemistry its rightful place as a serious scientific field, but the two terms initially overlapped in meaning before separating by the 17th century, just as astrology and astronomy did during the same period.

Alchemy and alchemist are in fact older words than chemistry and chemist in English. Alchemists believed that lead could be “perfected” into gold, that diseases could be cured, and that life could be prolonged through transmutation, or a change of some essential element into a superior form. Their secretive experiments, usually involving heat and the mixing of liquids, led to the development of pharmacology and the rise of modern chemistry.

The long route to English for alchemist began with the Greek word chēmeia, which probably came from the word chyma (“fluid”), derived from the verb chein, meaning “to pour.” It then passed to Arabic, which added its definite article al- (“the”) to the Greek root. The word then passed from Latin to French before coming to English. Some other words derived from Arabic also retain the al- in English, such as algebra, algorithm, and alcohol; in fact, the transformative liquid that was constantly being sought through experimentation by alchemists is another word with the Arabic al- prefix: elixir.

This power to transform things for the better, real or imagined, led to figurative meanings for alchemy and alchemist.

Did You Know?

Elixir has roots in the practice of alchemy; it was used in the Middle Ages as the word for a substance believed able to alter base metals into gold. Its later use for a drug purported to prolong one’s life led to its use in the names of medicines of mostly questionable effectiveness. Today, it is often used generally for anything thought capable of remedying all ills or difficulties, be they physical or otherwise. The word came to us via Middle English and Medieval Latin from Arabic al-iksīr; it probably ultimately derives from a Greek word meaning "desiccative powder."

Examples of elixir in a Sentence

warned that casino gambling would not be an elixir for all of the region's economic woes

Recent Examples on the Web

 In keeping with the hi-low theme of the party, it’s fun to incorporate a throwback dessert like Jello reinvented with a splash of wine and made modern with a bit of floral elixir. — Sara Mae Albert, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Plan a Casual Chic Dinner Party," 2 Aug. 2019 For now, the big money is in processing hemp for its CBD, touted as an elixir for an array of ailments. — Lynn Brezosky, ExpressNews.com, "Texas farmers ready for catch-up mode in global hemp race," 17 June 2019 Then Wolff flirted with creating a series of short stories about real-life figures who searched for the elixir of life. — Hal Boedeker, orlandosentinel.com, "UCF prof explores recipe for immortality in debut novel," 5 June 2019 This also liberates life’s vital elixir — liquid water. — Joanna Klein, New York Times, "If Algae Clings to Snow on This Volcano, Can It Grow on Other Desolate Worlds?," 15 July 2019 For a team that’s been struggling offensively for the past month, the vast outfield and high altitude in Denver was the perfect elixir. — Bobby Nightengale, Cincinnati.com, "Phillip Ervin, Cincinnati Reds make history with offense in win over Colorado Rockies," 14 July 2019 As part of this initiative, they will be joined by ShopRite Canton’s resident nutritionist for a workshop on hydrating nutrition and elixirs. — courant.com, "Community News For The Farmington Valley Edition," 6 July 2019 But a Phylloxera outbreak, two world wars, and nationalization of the wine industry left the elixir largely forgotten by the end of the 20th century. — Eric Rosen, National Geographic, "Discover one of Europe’s most underrated wine regions," 12 June 2019 Learn how to cleanse, charge, and set intentions with your stones, create gem elixirs, and more. — courant.com, "Community News For The Farmington Valley Edition," 6 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elixir.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of elixir

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

History and Etymology for elixir

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-iksīr the elixir, from al the + iksīr elixir, probably from Greek xērion desiccative powder, from xēros dry

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More Definitions for elixir

elixir

noun
How to pronounce elixir (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of elixir

: a magical liquid that can cure illness or extend life

See the full definition for elixir in the English Language Learners Dictionary

elixir

noun
elix·​ir | \ i-ˈlik-sər How to pronounce elixir (audio) \

Medical Definition of elixir

: a sweetened liquid usually containing alcohol that is used in medication either for its medicinal ingredients or as a flavoring

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