Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Alkahest
Al′ka-hest
,Noun.
[LL.
alchahest
, F. alcahest
, a word that has an Arabic appearance, but was probably arbitrarily formed by Paracelsus.] The fabled “universal solvent” of the alchemists; a menstruum capable of dissolving all bodies.
– Alˊka-hes′tic
, Adj.
Webster 1828 Edition
Alkahest
AL'KAHEST
,Noun.
A universal dissolvent; a menstrumm capable of dissolving every body, which Paracelsus and Van Helmont pretended they possessed. This pretense no longer imposses on the credulity of any man.
The word is sometimes used for fixed salts volatilized.
Definition 2024
alkahest
alkahest
English
Noun
alkahest (plural alkahests)
- (now historical) A universal solvent sought by the alchemists. [from 17th c.]
- 2006, Philip Ball, The Devil's Doctor, Arrow 2007, p. 267:
- This perspective stimulated the alchemical quest for a ‘universal solvent’, that would dissolve and homogenize all substances – a solvent that Paracelsus named the alkahest.
- 2006, Philip Ball, The Devil's Doctor, Arrow 2007, p. 267: