elixir

American  

[ih-lik-ser] / ɪˈlɪk sər /

noun

1. Pharmacology.  a sweetened, aromatic solution of alcohol and water containing, or used as a vehicle for, medicinal substances.

2. Also called elixir of life.  an alchemic preparation formerly believed to be capable of prolonging life.

3. an alchemic preparation formerly believed to be capable of transmuting base metals into gold.

4. the quintessence or absolute embodiment of anything.

5. a panacea; cure-all; sovereign remedy.

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elixir British  

/ ɪˈlɪksə /

noun

1. an alchemical preparation supposed to be capable of prolonging life indefinitely ( elixir of life ) or of transmuting base metals into gold

2. anything that purports to be a sovereign remedy; panacea

3. an underlying principle; quintessence

4. a liquid containing a medicinal drug with syrup, glycerine, or alcohol added to mask its unpleasant taste

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Etymology

Origin of elixir

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin < Arabic al iksīr alchemical preparation < Late Greek xḗrion drying powder (for wounds), equivalent to Greek xēr ( ós ) dry + -ion, neuter of -ios adj. suffix

Example Sentences

“The frantic futility of constantly searching for a new place,” he wrote his longtime friend, Johnny Dark, “a new life, a new partner. As though change itself were some kind of elixir.”

From The Wall Street Journal

“Chadwick was a mighty, mighty elixir that sort of stirred up that alchemy that we’re all in search of, which is meaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

But it all started with “Buckingham Nicks,” the sweet, magical elixir that fueled one of rock’s most enduring fusions.

From Salon

Vodka, milk and raw crow eggs — a chalky, frothing elixir high in what they proudly dubbed crowtein.

From Salon

Hemingway, ever the raconteur, regaled the cadre with stories, matching them drink for drink of this local elixir until the nights blurred into memory.

From Salon

Related Words

• cure-all
• panacea
• potion