alembic

[ uh-lem-bik ]

/ əˈlɛm bɪk /

a vessel with a beaked cap or head, formerly used in distilling.

anything that transforms, purifies, or refines.

Origin of alembic

1350–1400; Middle English, variant of alambic < Medieval Latin alambicus < dialectal Arabic al the anbīq still < Greek ámbix cup

Resinous matter mixed with volatile oil is easily detected, being left in the alembic after distillation.

A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines |Andrew Ure
This is the crucible from which is distilled the alembic of power.

The Life Radiant |Lilian Whiting
From the alembic a strange cloud arose, And once again her face!

The Immortal Lure |Cale Young Rice
It is the surest, and therefore the best, way to distil these Oils with water in an alembic.

Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed. |Pierre Joseph Macquer

Put the whole into an alembic well luted; distil in a water bath; and what you draw off will prove an exquisite Angelic Water.

The Toilet of Flora |Pierre-Joseph Buc'hoz

alembic

/ (əˈlɛmbɪk) /

an obsolete type of retort used for distillation

anything that distils or purifies

C14: from Medieval Latin alembicum, from Arabic al-anbīq the still, from Greek ambix cup