alchemy
alchemy — noun
1. A medieval practice that mixed early chemistry with philosophy and magic, aimed
A medieval practice that mixed early chemistry with philosophy and magic, aimed at turning common metals such as lead into gold and finding a substance that could cure all diseases.
Talia studied the history of alchemy and how chemists tried to turn lead into gold.
study + alchemy as an academic subject
The old manuscripts on alchemy described strange experiments with metals, fire, and coloured liquids.
manuscripts on alchemy + physical description
In the Middle Ages, alchemy was practiced by scholars who believed metals could be transformed.
Many rulers paid alchemists large sums of money, hoping to get rich from artificial gold.
Eve found a drawing of an alchemy lab with glass bottles and a small furnace.
用法筆記
Frequently appears in historical contexts with 'history of', 'study of', or 'practice of'. The person who practices alchemy is an alchemist.
常見錯誤
2. An ability or quality that creates dramatic positive change, as if by magic, thr
An ability or quality that creates dramatic positive change, as if by magic, through means that are not fully understood.
Through some personal alchemy, Constanza turned her small food stall into a popular restaurant chain.
personal alchemy — describing inner transformative power
The new coach's alchemy changed a group of shy beginners into confident young athletes.
[possessor] + alchemy + transformed [object]
There is a kind of alchemy in how music lifts a person's mood within seconds.
Darius described film editing as pure alchemy — turning raw footage into a compelling story.
The chef's cooking has an alchemy that turns basic ingredients into flavourful dishes.
- magic
Broader and less specific; alchemy implies a process of transformation
- transformation
Focuses on the result; alchemy adds a sense of mystery
- wizardry
More informal, emphasises skill rather than mysterious change
- sorcery
Stronger association with evil or forbidden power; more dramatic
用法筆記
Always figurative. The subject is typically a skill, personal quality, or creative process that produces a dramatic positive change. Common in creative writing and journalism.