Alembic
/əˈlɛm.bɪk/noun
A distillation apparatus used in alchemy and chemistry.
Did you know?The alembic was believed to transform base metals into gold, embodying the alchemical quest for immortality and enlightenment.
Etymological Timeline
Arabic
Arabic
al-inbīq
“The still; a vessel for distillation.”
Latin
Latin
alembicum
“A distilling apparatus, deriving from the Arabic term.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
alembicus
“Related to the process of distillation in alchemical practices.”
Old French
Old French
alambic
“A device for distillation; a magical tool for creating potions.”
Modern English
English
alembic
“An instrument used in the distillation process, carrying the legacy of alchemical transformation.”