philosopher's stone
Học thuậtThân thiện
An alchemist carefully examines the glowing philosopher's stone in his laboratory.
Definition
- Noun:
- A legendary alchemical substance: The philosopher's stone is a mythical substance believed by alchemists to have the power to transmute base metals, such as lead, into noble metals, primarily gold or silver.
- A symbol of perfection and enlightenment: In broader esoteric and philosophical traditions, it also symbolizes the achievement of spiritual perfection, immortality, or the ultimate goal of human transformation.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- For centuries, alchemists searched in vain for the philosopher's stone.
- The legend of the philosopher's stone represents humanity's quest for knowledge and transformation.
Advanced Usage
- "The quest for the philosopher's stone": A metaphor for any long, difficult, and possibly futile pursuit of an ideal or a perfect solution.
- His research into a universal cure became a modern quest for the philosopher's stone.
Variants and Related Words
- Philosophers' stone: An alternative spelling with the same meaning.
- Elixir of life: A related concept often associated with the philosopher's stone, believed to grant immortality or prolonged life.
Synonyms
- Elixir
- Panacea (in its metaphorical sense as a universal remedy)
Related Idioms
- Like seeking the philosopher's stone: Used to describe a pursuit that is considered extremely difficult, mystical, or ultimately impossible.
- Trying to find a simple solution to world peace is like seeking the philosopher's stone.
An alchemist carefully examines the glowing philosopher's stone in his laboratory.
Noun
- hypothetical substance that the alchemists believed to be capable of changing base metals into gold