alchemy
alchemy — 名詞
1. A medieval practice that mixed early chemistry with philosophy and magic, aimed
煉金術
中世紀研究金屬轉化的前化學時期學問
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.
Talia 研究中世紀煉金術的歷史，以及化學家如何嘗試將鉛變成黃金。
study + alchemy as an academic subject
The old manuscripts on alchemy described strange experiments with metals, fire, and coloured liquids.
那些關於煉金術的古老手稿描述了用金屬、火焰和有色液體進行的奇特實驗。
manuscripts on alchemy + physical description
In the Middle Ages, alchemy was practiced by scholars who believed metals could be transformed.
中世紀時，煉金術由那些相信金屬可以轉化的學者所實踐。
Many rulers paid alchemists large sums of money, hoping to get rich from artificial gold.
許多統治者付給煉金術師大筆金錢，希望能靠人造黃金致富。
Eve found a drawing of an alchemy lab with glass bottles and a small furnace.
Eve 找到一張煉金實驗室的圖畫，裡面有玻璃瓶和一個小熔爐。
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
神奇轉化
看似魔法般改變事物的力量
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.
靠著某種個人的神奇轉化力，Constanza 將她的小吃攤變成了一家受歡迎的連鎖餐廳。
personal alchemy — describing inner transformative power
The new coach's alchemy changed a group of shy beginners into confident young athletes.
新任教練的神奇轉化力，把一群害羞的初學者變成了自信的年輕運動員。
[possessor] + alchemy + transformed [object]
There is a kind of alchemy in how music lifts a person's mood within seconds.
音樂在幾秒內提振人的心情，其中有一種神奇的轉化力。
Darius described film editing as pure alchemy — turning raw footage into a compelling story.
Darius 形容剪輯影片是純粹的神奇轉化——把原始片段變成引人入勝的故事。
The chef's cooking has an alchemy that turns basic ingredients into flavourful dishes.
這位主廚的烹飪有一種神奇力量，能把基本食材變成美味的菜餚。
- 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.