Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Alembic
A-lem′bic
(ȧ-lĕm′bĭk)
, Noun.
[F.
alambic
(cf. Sp. alambique
), Ar. al-anbīq
, fr. Gr. ἄμβιξ
cup, cap of a still. The cap or head was the alembic
proper. Cf. Limbec
.] An apparatus formerly used in distillation, usually made of glass or metal. It has mostly given place to the retort and worm still.
Used also metaphorically.
The
alembic
of a great poet’s imagination. Brimley.
Webster 1828 Edition
Alembic
ALEM'BIC
, n.A chimical vessel used in distillation; usually made of glass or copper. The bottom part containing the liquor to be distilled, is called the cucurbit; the upper part which receives and condenses the stream, is called the head, the beak of which is fitted to the neck of a receiver. The head is more properly the alembic. This vessel is not so generally used now, as the worm still and retort.