noun Uncommon

alchemy

AL-kuh-mee

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Alchemy (noun) 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. Example: “Alchemy was practised across medieval Europe, Arabia, and China.”

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.

"Alchemy was practised across medieval Europe, Arabia, and China."

Any mysterious or seemingly magical process of transformation.

"The chef performed a kind of alchemy, turning leftover scraps into a feast."

How to use alchemy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe old practice of trying to change ordinary metals into gold — now also used loosely for any magical-seeming transformation.

Common pairings

practise alchemy a kind of alchemy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: alchemies

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_____ was practised across medieval Europe, Arabia, and China.

Etymology

From Old French alkimie, from Medieval Latin alchemia, from Arabic al-kimiya, from Ancient Greek khumeia, "the art of alloying metals."

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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chemistry interpersonal chemistry

Related words

chemical chemistry chemist

Rhymes for alchemy

enemy Jeremy academy Ptolemy polysemy archenemy blasphemy

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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.

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