Alambic is a term that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a rich history and meaning. It is a word that has been used in various contexts, including science, literature, and art. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of alambic, its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and associations.
Definitions
Alambic is defined as a device used in distillation to separate the components of a liquid mixture. It is a type of still that is used to purify liquids by heating them and then condensing the vapors that are produced. Alambic is also used to refer to a container used for distilling or refining liquids, such as essential oils.
Origin
The word alambic comes from the Arabic word “al-anbiq,” which means “the still.” The term was adopted by the French language in the 14th century and has since been used in various languages around the world.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, alambic is defined as “a still used in distilling, especially for the production of essential oils.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “a distilling apparatus consisting of a vessel with a long beaked spout for condensing and conveying the distilled vapors.”.
Associations
Alambic is associated with the process of distillation, which is used to purify liquids and extract essential oils. It is also associated with the history of alchemy, which used distillation as a means of transforming base metals into gold.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of alambic include still, distiller, distilling apparatus, and retort.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of alambic, but some related terms include impure, contaminated, and unrefined.
The same root words
Alambic has no direct root words, but its origin can be traced back to the Arabic word “al-anbiq,” which means “the still.”.
Example Sentences
- The alambic was used to distill the essential oils from the flowers.
- The alchemist used the alambic to transform base metals into gold.
- The distiller carefully monitored the alambic to ensure the purity of the distilled liquid.