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elixir


elix·ir

noun \i-ˈlik-sər\

Definition of ELIXIR

1
a (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

Examples of ELIXIR

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

Origin of 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
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum

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