Elixir

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪˈlɪksÉ™/

Origin

From Medieval Latin elixir, from Arabic الإكسير (al-’iksīr), from Ancient Greek ξήριον ("medicinal powder"), from ξηρός ("dry").

Full definition of elixir

Noun

1. (alchemy) A liquid which converts lead to gold.
• 2002, Philip Ball, The Elements: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford 2004, p. 59:For Chinese alchemists, gold held the key to the Elixir, the Eastern equivalent of the Philosopher's Stone.
2. A liquid which is believed to cure all ills and gives eternal life.
3. (pharmacy) A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste.

Derived terms

• elixir of life