alchemy
2 synonyms for alchemy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The early, part-mystical, part-scientific study that aimed to transform base metals into gold and find an elixir of eternal life, and which later grew into modern chemistry.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
interpersonal chemistry
How to use alchemy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
practise alchemy
a kind of alchemy
Etymology
From Old French alkimie, from Medieval Latin alchemia, from Arabic al-kimiya, from Ancient Greek khumeia, "the art of alloying metals."
Full origin of alchemy →Frequently asked questions
What does “alchemy” mean?
The word “alchemy” means the early, part-mystical, part-scientific study that aimed to transform base metals into gold and find an elixir of eternal life, and which later grew into modern chemistry. In plain terms, the old practice of trying to change ordinary metals into gold — now also used loosely for any magical-seeming transformation.
How do you pronounce “alchemy”?
“Alchemy” is pronounced AL-kuh-mee (/ˈælkəmi/ in IPA).
How do you use “alchemy” in a sentence?
Here is “alchemy” used in a sentence: “Alchemy was practised across medieval Europe, Arabia, and China.”
What part of speech is “alchemy”?
“Alchemy” is a noun.
Where does the word “alchemy” come from?
The word “alchemy” comes from Ancient Greek. From Old French alkimie, from Medieval Latin alchemia, from Arabic al-kimiya, from Ancient Greek khumeia, "the art of alloying metals.".
Is “alchemy” a common word?
“Alchemy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “alchemy” have?
“Alchemy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the early, part-mystical, part-scientific study that aimed to transform base metals into gold and find an elixir of eternal life, and which later grew into modern chemistry.
Related words
elixir of life
philosophers' stone
