alembicated
adjective
alem·bi·cat·ed
\ə-ˈlem-bə-ˌkā-təd\
Definition of alembicated
: overrefined as if by excessive distillation : excessively subtle : precious highly sophisticated and alembicated poetry — Richard Aldington the alembicated, the etiolate, the highly elaborated — Eric Partridge
Explore M-W
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
1786
First Known Use of alembicated
1786
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up alembicated? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!