alchemistic

9.9

Relating to the old practice of trying to turn metals into gold

adjective
/ˌæl.kəˈmɪs.tɪk/

Literature

: alquímico

The ancient texts described an alchemistic process for turning lead into gold.

Examples

His alchemistic experiments aimed to create a potion for eternal life.
She was fascinated by the alchemistic traditions of the medieval scholars.
On the walls were a dead dried cat, presenting an aspect where an alchemistic, another dried little dog.

Synonyms

alchemical

vsalchemistic

Literature

4 9.9

About the old idea of turning metal into gold and the secret experiments to do that

is more about practical attempts to change matter and find a universal elixir

alchemic

vsalchemistic

Literature

1 9.9

Like old practices that tried to change metal into gold and make secret medicines

is more specific to medieval attempts and the search for a universal elixir

alchemistical

vsalchemistic

Archaic

9.9

About old ideas and experiments that try to change metals into gold

focuses more on medieval goals of transformation and seeking a universal cure

Surface Forms

alchemistic positive

Morphology

alchemistic = alchemist (transparent) = alchemist + ic

The adjective is formed by adding the productive suffix '-ic' to 'alchemist', yielding a meaning 'relating to alchemists/alchemy' that learners can predict from the base.

Etymology

Alchemistic comes from alchemy, an old art called in Arabic 'al-kīmiyā' that tried to turn common metals into gold and to find a special 'life-giving' drink. Think of an alchemist as an early chemist trying to make magical changes, so alchemistic describes ideas or practices that are about transformation or mystery.