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

Related to ELIXIR

Synonyms: catholicon, cure–all, nostrum, panacea, theriac

Related Words: magic bullet, silver bullet; corrective, cure, remedy; miracle drug, wonder drug

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Other Pharmacology Terms

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