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

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.