n.
Pronunciation: i- ' lik-s ə r
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-iks ī r the elixir, from al the + iks ī r elixir, probably from Greek x ē rion desiccative powder, from x ē ros dry
Date: 14th century
1 a (1) : a substance held capable of changing base metals into gold (2) : a substance held capable of prolonging life indefinitely b (1) : CURE-ALL (2) : a medicinal concoction
2 : a sweetened liquid usually containing alcohol that is used in medication either for its medicinal ingredients or as a flavoring
3 : the essential principle