elixir

[ ih-lik-ser ]

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.

elixir

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of elixir¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of elixir¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al iksīr the elixir, probably from Greek xērion powder used for drying wounds, from xēros dry

Example Sentences

For the women behind the bar, they’re putting together tonics and elixirs with the power to heal, protect and nourish the human spirit.

From Salon

Six days off before the World Series proved a much needed elixir for Freeman’s ankle, which is nowhere near fully healed but far more playable than it was in the first two rounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump cultural IBS is a real condition brought about by listening to Trump, his minions and those who wish to make money selling his snake oil elixirs at tent revivals across the nation.

From Salon

For too many editors, the combination of Black criminality and exotic substances was a potent elixir, something that Bureau of Narcotics Commissioner Harry Anslinger exploited in his openly racist public relations strategy and selective enforcement.

From Salon

Through all of this, his reliably sunny disposition served as an elixir, helping him through times of despair.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cure-all
• panacea
• potion