Alchemy
noun /ˈælkəmi/ — The ancient art of transformation — the pursuit of turning base matter into gold.
Definition
The medieval precursor to chemistry, which sought to transform base metals into gold, discover the philosopher's stone, and find the elixir of eternal life. As a metaphor: any process of profound transformation.
Beyond the definition
Alchemy failed at its stated goals but invented chemistry in the process. As a word, it carries something no other word quite does: the idea that transformation is possible, that the ordinary can become something rare, that there is a hidden process that changes everything.
Origin & history
Medieval Latin 'alchimia,' from Arabic 'al-kimiya' — possibly from Greek 'khemeia' (art of transmuting metals). The Arabic 'al' article attached itself permanently; 'chemistry' arrived later by removing it.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
There was an alchemy between them that their colleagues couldn't explain or replicate.
The editor performed a kind of alchemy on the manuscript — the same words, but transformed.
Cooking is alchemy: the raw becomes something entirely other.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Alchemy” when the meaning fits your context: The medieval precursor to chemistry, which sought to transform base metals into gold, discover the philosopher's stone, and find the elixir of eternal life. As a metaphor: any process of profound transformation.
Synonyms
transformation, transmutation, mysterious process
Antonyms
stasis, unchanged
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Alchemy" mean?
Alchemy is noun meaning: The ancient art of transformation — the pursuit of turning base matter into gold.. The medieval precursor to chemistry, which sought to transform base metals into gold, discover the philosopher's stone, and find the elixir of eternal life. As a metaphor: any process of profound transformation.
Where does the word "Alchemy" come from?
Medieval Latin 'alchimia,' from Arabic 'al-kimiya' — possibly from Greek 'khemeia' (art of transmuting metals). The Arabic 'al' article attached itself permanently; 'chemistry' arrived later by removing it.