alchemy
UK: ˈælkəmi | US: ˈælkəmi
n. 1. A medieval chemical science and speculative philosophy aiming to achieve the transmutation of base metals into gold, the discovery of a universal cure for disease, and the attainment of immortality.
n. 2. A seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.
alchemy = al<the> + chem<chemistry> + y<noun suffix>
- al (the, from Arabic al-, definite article)
- chem (chemistry, from Greek khēmeia, meaning "art of transmuting metals")
- y (noun-forming suffix, often indicating a practice or science)
Etymology Origin:
The word "alchemy" traces back to Arabic al-kīmiyā, which borrowed from Greek khēmeia (likely derived from the ancient name for Egypt, Khemia, associated with metallurgy). The Arabic prefix al- (meaning "the") fused with the Greek root, reflecting the transmission of this science through Islamic scholars to medieval Europe. Over time, "alchemy" evolved from a literal pursuit of material transformation to a metaphor for mystical or profound change.
Medieval alchemy sought to turn lead into gold through arcane rituals.
The artist described her creative process as a form of modern alchemy.
His research blended science and alchemy, aiming to revolutionize energy production.
The novel’s plot revolves around a secret society preserving ancient alchemy texts.
Critics dismissed the proposal as economic alchemy, devoid of practical merit.