Meaning & use

alchemy

noun·Advanced

Last updated

A medieval forerunner of chemistry that sought to turn base metals into gold and find a universal cure, or, figuratively, a mysterious process of transformation.

See it in a sentence

Medieval alchemy laid some of the groundwork for modern chemistry, even though its central goals were never achieved.

The chef's alchemy turned a handful of simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish.

A note on using this word

Alchemy is often used figuratively today to describe any seemingly magical transformation, especially in cooking, art, or business.

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