Meaning & use
alchemy
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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.
Words with a similar meaning
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