elixir
(noun) a substance believed to cure all ills
elixir
(noun) 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
Source: WordNet® 3.1
elixir (plural elixirs)
(alchemy) A liquid which converts lead to gold.
(alchemy) A substance or liquid which is believed to cure all ills and give eternal life.
(by extension) The alleged cure for all ailments; cure-all, panacea.
(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.
Source: Wiktionary
E*lix"ir, n. Etym: [F. élixir, Sp. elixir, Ar. eliksir the philosopher's stone, prob. from Gr. ksha to burn.]
1. (Med.)
Definition: A tincture with more than one base; a compound tincture or medicine, composed of various substances, held in solution by alcohol in some form.
2. (Alchemy)
Definition: An imaginary liquor capable of transmuting metals into gold; also, one for producing life indefinitely; as, elixir vitæ, or the elixir of life.
3. The refined spirit; the quintessence. The . . . elixir of worldly delights. South.
4. Any cordial or substance which invigorates. The grand elixir, to support the spirits of human nature. Addison.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
23 November 2024
(adjective) concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations; “theoretical science”
The Boston Tea Party helped popularize coffee in America. The hefty tea tax imposed on the colonies in 1773 resulted in America switching from tea to coffee. In the lead up to the Revolutionary War, it became patriotic to sip java instead of tea. The Civil War made the drink more pervasive. Coffee helped energize tired troops, and drinking it became an expression of freedom.
