Question

alembic noun The alembic is a kind of still that has been used since ancient times and continues to be used even today in the production of cognac, a distinctive brandy distilled from white wine in western France. In ancient times, this apparatus was called "al-anbīq," a word that means "the still" in Arabic and can be traced to "ambix," meaning "still" in Greek. When the apparatus found its way into Medieval European laboratories, scientific texts first transformed the Arabic word into Medieval Latin as "alembicum." English speakers shortened it to "alembic," and some also dropped the initial "a." That change led to "limbeck," a standard variant still in use today. "Alembic" acquired its figurative use in the 17th century. 1 : an apparatus used in distillation2 : something that refines or transmutes as if by distillation

Accepted Answer

July 10, 2008 uh-LEM-bik In the alembic of the child's mind, the ratty old blanket became a magnificent cape.

Word	alembic
Date	July 10, 2008
Type	noun
Syllables	uh-LEM-bik
Etymology	The alembic is a kind of still that has been used since ancient times and continues to be used even today in the production of cognac, a distinctive brandy distilled from white wine in western France. In ancient times, this apparatus was called "al-anbīq," a word that means "the still" in Arabic and can be traced to "ambix," meaning "still" in Greek. When the apparatus found its way into Medieval European laboratories, scientific texts first transformed the Arabic word into Medieval Latin as "alembicum." English speakers shortened it to "alembic," and some also dropped the initial "a." That change led to "limbeck," a standard variant still in use today. "Alembic" acquired its figurative use in the 17th century.
Examples	In the alembic of the child's mind, the ratty old blanket became a magnificent cape.
Definition	1 : an apparatus used in distillation 2 : something that refines or transmutes as if by distillation

Alembic Apparatus Ancient Word Arabic Medieval Distillation July