Elixir \E*lix"ir\, n. [F. ['e]lixir, Sp. elixir, Ar. eliks[=i]r the philosopher's stone, prob. from Gr. ? dry, (hence probably) a dry powder; cf. Skr. ksh[=a] to burn.]

1. (Med.) A tincture with more than one base; a compound tincture or medicine, composed of various substances, held in solution by alcohol in some form.

2. (Alchemy) An imaginary liquor capable of transmuting metals into gold; also, one for producing life indefinitely; as, elixir vit[ae], or the elixir of life.

3. The refined spirit; the quintessence.

The . . . elixir of worldly delights. --South.

4. Any cordial or substance which invigorates.

The grand elixir, to support the spirits of human nature. --Addison.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)