Alchemy was a form of chemistry studied in the Middle Ages, which was concerned with trying to discover ways to change ordinary metals into gold.
2. uncountable noun
Alchemy is the power to change or create things in a way which seems mysterious and magical.
[literary]
Synonyms: magic, witchcraft, wizardry, sorcery More Synonyms of alchemy
alchemy in British English
(ˈælkəmɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-mies
1.
the pseudoscientific predecessor of chemistry that sought a method of transmuting base metals into gold, an elixir to prolong life indefinitely, a panacea or universal remedy, and an alkahest or universal solvent
2.
a power like that of alchemy
her beauty had a potent alchemy
Derived forms
alchemic (ælˈkɛmɪk), alchemical (alˈchemical) or alchemistic (ˌalchemˈistic)
adjective
Word origin
C14 alkamye, via Old French from Medieval Latin alchimia, from Arabic al-kīmiyā', from al the + kīmiyā' transmutation, from Late Greek khēmeia the art of transmutation
alchemy in American English
(ˈælkəmi)
noun
1.
an early form of chemistry, with philosophic and magical associations, studied in the Middle Ages: its chief aims were to change base metals into gold and to discover the elixir of perpetual youth
2.
a power or process of changing one thing into another; esp., a seemingly miraculous power or process of changing a thing into something better
Derived forms
alchemic (alˈchemic) (ælˈkɛmɪk)
adjective or alˈchemical
alchemically (alˈchemically)
adverb
Word origin
ME alchymie < OFr alchimie < ML alchemia < Ar al-kīmiyāʾ < Gr chēmeia < ? Chēmia, old name for Egypt < Egyptian kmt, lit., black (land); infl. by folk-etym. assoc. with Gr cheein, to pour: see UNRESOLVED CROSS REF
Examples of 'alchemy' in a sentence
alchemy
By some mysterious alchemy it was hoped to fulfil all three objectives.
Wright, Vincent The Government and Politics of France (1989)
But when it works, some mysterious alchemy comes into play.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
At other times, they evoke fabled lands and ancient struggles, alchemy and magic.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
By some strange showbiz alchemy, Crush seems to be able to channel the love.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It may be democracy, but it ain't financial alchemy.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Get it right, and you might just hit that magic moment of alchemy where attitude, outfit and body collide.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
A small tweak in selection can, by mysterious alchemy, make a radical difference.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Inspire a new generation with the prospect of a Britain based on science, engineering and education rather than financial alchemy and the support of a dishonest few.
The Sun (2010)
(noun)
Definition
a medieval form of chemistry concerned with trying to change base metals into gold and to find an elixir to prolong life indefinitely
Imagine that by some political alchemy, all people had been made equal.
Synonyms
magic
Legends say that Merlin raised the stones by magic.
witchcraft
She was found guilty of witchcraft and burned at the stake.
wizardry
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
sorcery
The man swore never to practise sorcery again, and was released.
makutu (New Zealand)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sorcery
Definition
witchcraft or magic
The man swore never to practise sorcery again, and was released.
Synonyms
black magic,
witchcraft,
black art,
necromancy,
spell,
magic,
charm,
wizardry,
enchantment,
divination,
incantation,
witchery
in the sense of witchcraft
Definition
the use of magic, esp. for evil purposes
She was found guilty of witchcraft and burned at the stake.