alchemy

 
Pronunciation: /ˈalkɪmi/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the medieval forerunner of chemistry, concerned with the transmutation of matter, in particular with attempts to convert base metals into gold or find a universal elixir: occult sciences, such as alchemy and astrology
  • a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination: finding the person who’s right for you requires a very subtle alchemy

Derivatives

alchemic

Pronunciation: /alˈkɛmɪk/
adjective

alchemical

Pronunciation: /alˈkɛmɪk(ə)l/
adjective

alchemist

noun

alchemize

(also alchemise) verb

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French and medieval Latin from Arabic al-kīmiyā', from al 'the' + kīmiyā' (from Greek khēmia, khēmeia 'art of transmuting metals')