potion
UK: ˈpəʊʃ(ə)n | US: ˈpoʊʃ(ə)n
n. a liquid with healing, magical, or poisonous properties
n. (archaic) a drink or dose of medicine
potion = pot<drink> + ion<noun suffix>
- pot (from Latin potio "a drinking, drink, potion," from potare "to drink")
- ion (a noun-forming suffix, often indicating an action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word "potion" traces back to Latin potio, meaning "a drink" or "draft," derived from the verb potare ("to drink"). Over time, it evolved in Old French as pocion before entering Middle English as "potion." Originally neutral (any drinkable liquid), it later specialized to denote medicinal or magical liquids, reflecting its association with alchemy and folklore.
The wizard brewed a glowing potion to cure the king’s illness.
She sipped the love potion, unaware of its side effects.
Ancient texts describe potions for immortality.
The herbalist sold healing potions at the market.
In fairy tales, poisoned potions often drive the plot.