Philosopher's stone

Philosopher's stone
Philosopher Phi*los"o*pher, n. [OE. philosophre, F. philosophe, L. philosophus, Gr. ?; ? loving + ? wise. Cf. {Philosophy}.] 1. One who philosophizes; one versed in, or devoted to, philosophy. [1913 Webster]

Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him. --Acts xvii. 18. [1913 Webster]

2. One who reduces the principles of philosophy to practice in the conduct of life; one who lives according to the rules of practical wisdom; one who meets or regards all vicissitudes with calmness. [1913 Webster]

3. An alchemist. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

{Philosopher's stone}, an imaginary stone which the alchemists formerly sought as instrument of converting the baser metals into gold. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Philosopher's stone — Stone Stone, n. [OE. ston, stan, AS. st[=a]n; akin to OS. & OFries. st[=e]n, D. steen, G. stein, Icel. steinn, Sw. sten, Dan. steen, Goth. stains, Russ. stiena a wall, Gr. ?, ?, a pebble. [root]167. Cf. {Steen}.] 1. Concreted earthy or mineral… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • philosopher's stone — ► NOUN ▪ a mythical substance supposed to change any metal into gold or silver …   English terms dictionary

  • Philosopher's stone — The philosopher s stone ( la. lapis philosophorum; Greek: chrysopoeia ) is a legendary substance, supposedly capable of turning inexpensive metals into gold; it was also sometimes believed to be an elixir of life, useful for rejuvenation and… …   Wikipedia

  • philosopher's stone — noun hypothetical substance that the alchemists believed to be capable of changing base metals into gold • Syn: ↑philosophers stone, ↑elixir • Hypernyms: ↑substance * * * noun [singular] : an imaginary substance that people in the past believed… …   Useful english dictionary

  • Philosopher's stone (disambiguation) — The term philosopher s stone may refer to:* Philosopher s stone, the medieval term for the alchemical secret of converting lead into gold * Harry Potter and the Philosopher s Stone , a fiction novel ** Harry Potter and the Philosopher s Stone… …   Wikipedia

  • philosopher's stone — noun Date: 14th century an imaginary stone, substance, or chemical preparation believed to have the power of transmuting baser metals into gold and sought by alchemists; broadly an elusive or imaginary key to success called also philosophers… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Philosopher's Stone —    Alchemists constantly searched for this stone. When ground down and combined with water, drugs and other materials it would produce an elixir. This elixir would change imperfect metals (metals other than gold) into perfect metals (gold). This… …   The writer's dictionary of science fiction, fantasy, horror and mythology

  • philosopher's stone — phi.losopher s stone n [singular] an imaginary substance that was thought in the past to have the power to change any other metal into gold …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • philosopher's stone, the — phi,losopher s stone, the noun an imaginary substance that people in the past believed could change any other metal into gold …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • philosopher's stone — noun A substance able to turn base metals into gold or silver, usually by means of the application and distillation of another substance, usually mercury; also sometimes claimed to give immortality …   Wiktionary

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