philosophers' stone
or philosopher's stone
noun Alchemy.
a substance sought by alchemists that would be capable of transmuting baser metals into gold or silver and of prolonging life.
Origin of philosophers' stone
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400
Words nearby philosophers' stone
British Dictionary definitions for philosopher's stone
philosopher's stone
noun
a stone or substance thought by alchemists to be capable of transmuting base metals into gold
Cultural definitions for philosopher's stone
philosopher's stone
The stone or material that practitioners of alchemy believed capable of changing other metals into gold.
notes for philosopher's stone
Figuratively, the “philosopher's stone” is a substance thought to be capable of regenerating man spiritually.