ELIXIR Meaning and
Definition
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An elixir is an all-encompassing term that refers to a magical or medicinal substance believed to have the power to cure ailments, restore health, and grant eternal life. Derived from the Arabic word "al-iksīr," meaning "powder for drying wounds," an elixir often implies a potent and elusive potion with extraordinary properties.
In the realm of alchemy and earlier branches of science, an elixir represented a legendary substance sought after by alchemists in their quest to transmute base metals into gold and find the ultimate remedy for disease or immortality. It was believed to possess transformative and rejuvenating properties, enabling physical and spiritual advancements. These early elixirs were concocted through complex procedures that involved the fusion of rare and mystical elements.
Today, the term elixir has expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings. In the medical context, it refers to a sweetened and flavored liquid medicine typically containing alcohol as a solvent. These elixirs are used to administer concentrated doses of pharmacological compounds or herbal extracts to promote healing or relieve symptoms.
Furthermore, in the field of technology and software development, an elixir refers to a functional programming language designed for creating scalable and fault-tolerant applications. It emphasizes concurrency and fault-tolerance, making it particularly suitable for building robust distributed systems.
In essence, an elixir represents a mythical or medicinal substance with the potential to transform, heal, and transcend boundaries, whether in the realms of magic, medicine, or technology.
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A refined spirit; a cordial which invigorates; the quintessence of any substance; a supposed liquor for conferring immortality, sought after by the old alchemists.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of ELIXIR
The word "elixir" has its origin in the Arabic language. It comes from the Arabic word "al-'iksīr" (الإكسير), which itself is derived from the Greek word "xērion" (ξήριον) meaning "desiccative powder" or "potion". The Greek word was borrowed into Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age, where it gained popularity in the context of alchemy and medicine. Over time, the use of elixirs expanded to include various medicinal substances believed to possess great healing or magical powers. The word then entered various other languages, including Latin and English, retaining its basic meaning of a magical or medicinal potion.
Similar spelling words for ELIXIR
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