chrysopoeia
The process of turning ordinary metals into gold
- noun
- /ˌkrɪsəˈpiːə/
- Archaic
:
quimera
- In ancient times, practitioners of alchemy sought to achieve chrysopoeia, believing they could transform lead into gold.
Examples
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The philosopher's stone was said to be the key to mastering chrysopoeia and unlocking wealth.
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Many literature pieces from the Renaissance discuss chrysopoeia as the ultimate goal of alchemical experiments.
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Chrysopoeia, Commerce, Conjuration #
Academic text (2015)
Synonyms
alchemy
vschrysopoeia
An old science from the Middle Ages that tries to turn ordinary metals into gold and find life-giving medicine
is the specific belief in converting base metals into gold not the whole tradition
Surface Forms
chrysopoeia singular
chrysopoeias plural
Etymology
Chrysopoeia comes from Greek parts chrysos 'gold' and poiein 'to make', so it literally means 'to make gold'. That's why it names the alchemists' idea or process of turning ordinary metals into gold.