E*lix"ir (?), n. [F.
élixir, Sp. elixir, Ar. eliksīr the
philosopher's stone, prob. from Gr. &?; dry, (hence probably) a dry
powder; cf. Skr. kshā 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 vitæ, 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.
