E*lix"ir (?), n. [F. 'elixir, Sp. elixir, Ar. eliksir the philosopher's stone, prob. from Gr. dry, (hence probably) a dry powder; cf. Skr. ksha to burn.]

1. Med.

A tincture with more than one base; a compound tincture or medicine, composed of various substances, held in solution by alcohol in some form.

2. Alchemy

An imaginary liquor capable of transmuting metals into gold; also, one for producing life indefinitely; as, elixir vitae, or the elixir of life.

3.

The refined spirit; the quintessence.

The . . . elixir of worldly delights. South.

4.

Any cordial or substance which invigorates.

The grand elixir, to support the spirits of human nature. Addison.

 

© Webster 1913.