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Glite Dictionary
alkahest

alkahest

9.9
A supposed liquid that can dissolve any material
  • noun
  • /ˈæl.kə.hɛst/
  • Archaic
translation icon : alkahest
  • The legend of the alkahest fascinated many, as it was thought to be the key to unlocking the mysteries of creating gold.

Examples

  • Many alchemists sought to find the elusive alkahest.

  • Medieval alchemists devoted their lives to discovering the elusive alkahest.

  • No scientific evidence has ever supported the existence of the alkahest described in alchemical texts.

  • The legend of the alkahest reflects humanity’s enduring quest to understand and master nature.

  • The ancient texts describe alkahest as a miraculous substance.

  • Alchemists believed that the alkahest could dissolve any known substance, making it a sought-after goal in their experiments.

  • In ancient texts, the alkahest was described as a powerful solvent that could break down even the most stubborn materials.

Synonyms

alcahest
vsalkahest
  • Archaic
9.9

A liquid people long ago believed could dissolve anything

is the alternate spelling referring to the exact same idea
universal solvent
vsalkahest
9.9

An imagined liquid that can dissolve any material

is the named alchemical term for that idea rather than the general concept
azoth
vsalkahest
  • Archaic
9.9

A mythical substance used by alchemists that can change or heal anything

focuses specifically on universal dissolving, not on healing or broad transformation

Surface Forms

alkahest singular
alkahests plural

Etymology

The word alkahest probably comes from the Arabic article al- ('the'), the same al- you see in algebra and alcohol, plus a second part that once meant 'to cleanse' or 'to dissolve'. Alchemists used alkahest for a supposed 'universal solvent' because they believed it could 'clean' or dissolve any substance.