noun
alchemy
AL-kuh-mee
noun
1
The early, part-mystical, part-scientific study that aimed to transform base metals into gold and find an elixir of eternal life, and which later grew into modern chemistry.
"Alchemy was practised across medieval Europe, Arabia, and China."
2
Any mysterious or seemingly magical process of transformation.
"The chef performed a kind of alchemy, turning leftover scraps into a feast."
How to Use Alchemy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe old practice of trying to change ordinary metals into gold — now also used loosely for any magical-seeming transformation.
Common pairings
practise alchemy
a kind of alchemy
Word Forms
alchemies plural
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Etymology
From Old French alkimie, from Medieval Latin alchemia, from Arabic al-kimiya, from Ancient Greek khumeia, "the art of alloying metals."