elixir

noun

elix·ir i-ˈlik-sər

Synonyms of elixir next

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

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

: the essential principle

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 to be capable of changing 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 Greek xērion, meaning "desiccative powder."

Did you know?

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.

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 These notes oppose myrrh (for a balsamic warmth) and palo santo (for a hint of sweetness) and come together to create this 100% vegan elixir. —

Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2023 Three Spirit Blurred Vines Sharp (3 stars) England, $27 Three Spirit is a British producer of non-alcoholic elixirs designed to provide the cocktail experience without the booze. —

Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 10 Aug. 2023 This elixir's unmatched quality and purity are ensured by its careful preparation and unmatched perfection. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023 In the mix is Tint It, Oil It, Plump It treatment lip gloss in Pink Pineapple, Raspberry and Boysenberry shades infused with hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba and argan oils, and a trademarked Maxi-Lip elixir for ultimate volume. —

Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 June 2023 But in the Alto Douro, the complex, long-lasting elixir had already been praised for centuries. —

Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Aug. 2023 Guests were greeted with summer elixirs like a watermelon basil aperitif, strawberry hibiscus agua fresca, and glasses of French Bloom before Wiedeman swept away attendees on a tour of the charming bed and breakfast operating on the property. —

Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2023 This elixir ensures unparalleled quality and purity thanks to its uncompromising accuracy and meticulous attention to detail during preparation. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Aug. 2023 The unsurpassed precision and painstaking preparation of this elixir ensure unparalleled quality and purity. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elixir.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler

The first known use of elixir was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century