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For other uses, see Elixir (disambiguation).
Look up elixir in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. 
can be used for making elixirs]]

An elixir (From Arabic,الإكسير Al-Ikseer)From Greek, ξήριον, "medical powder", from Greek, ξηρός, "dry".) Elixir is a sweet flavored liquid (usually containing alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken orally in order to mask an unpleasant taste and intended to cure one's ills.

When used as a pharmaceutical preparation, it contains an active ingredient (such as morphine) that is dissolved in a solution that contains some percentage (usually 40-60%) of ethyl alcohol and is designed to be taken orally. Elixirs are often made from vodka or grappa.

See also

  • Tincture, in which alcohol is the major solvent and the ingredient is often highly concentrated
  • Panacea (medicine), mythological remedy that would cure all diseases
  • Internal alchemy
  • Concoction also known as tea or in arabic choi helps to relave all pains and creates stress free environment
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Wiktionary

Up to date as of January 14, 2010

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

See also elixír, and élixir

Contents

English

Etymology

From Mediaeval Latin elixir, from Arabic الإكسير (al-’iksīr), from Ancient Greek ξήριον (“‘medicinal powder’”), from ξηρός (“‘dry’”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ɪˈlɪksə/

Noun

Singular
elixir

Plural
elixirs

elixir (plural elixirs)

  1. (alchemy) A liquid which converts lead to gold.
    • 2002, Philip Ball, The Elements: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford 2004, p. 59:
      For Chinese alchemists, gold held the key to the Elixir, the Eastern equivalent of the Philosopher's Stone.
  2. A liquid which is believed to cure all ills and gives eternal life.
  3. (pharmacy) A sweet flavored liquid (usually containing a small amount of alcohol) used in compounding medicines to be taken by mouth in order to mask an unpleasant taste.

Derived terms

Translations

alchemy: liquid which was believed to turn non-precious metals to gold
liquid which is believed to cure all ills
pharmacy: sweet taste-masking liquid
The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Help:How to check translations.
Translations to be checked
  • Latin: elixir m.
  • Persian: اکسیر (eksīr)
  • Portuguese: elixir m.
  • Scottish Gaelic: brìgh f., ìocshlaint f.
  • Slovak: elixír m.
  • Spanish: elixir m.
  • Swedish: elixir n.







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