alkahest

or al·ca·hest

[ al-kuh-hest ]

noun

1. the universal solvent sought by the alchemists.

alkahest

/ ˈælkəˌhɛst /

noun

1. the hypothetical universal solvent sought by alchemists

Other Words From

• alka·hestic alka·hesti·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of alkahest¹

First recorded in 1635–45, alkahest is from the late Medieval Latin word alchahest; probably coinage of Paracelsus

Word History and Origins

Origin of alkahest¹

C17: apparently coined by Paracelsus on the model of Arabic words

Example Sentences

Alkahest, Alcahest, al′ka-hest, n. the universal solvent of the alchemists.

From Project Gutenberg

She must bring down the spirit of the sun and blend it with her own—for wheat partakes of the alkahest.

From Project Gutenberg

The idea of the Alkahest had swept like a conflagration through the building.

From Project Gutenberg

It was the only moment for sixteen long years when Balthazar forgot the Alkahest.

From Project Gutenberg

These preparations now prevented Claes from thinking, for the time being, of the Alkahest.

From Project Gutenberg