alchemist

American  

[al-kuh-mist] / ˈæl kə mɪst /

noun

1. a person who is versed in or practices alchemy.

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alchemist British  

/ ˈælkəmɪst /

noun

1. a person who practises alchemy

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Etymology

Origin of alchemist

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English alkamist, probably from Medieval Latin alchymista, equivalent to alchym(ia) alchemy + -ista -ist

Explanation

If you're an alchemist, then you try to change common metals into gold. People have been trying to figure that out for a long time, so you might need to have another job to finance your career as an alchemist. The word alchemist comes from alchemy, which has origins in the Greek word khemeia, meaning "art of transmuting metals." Active since ancient times, alchemists could be considered very early chemists because of their work trying to transform base metals into gold. Alchemists could also be considered wizards because they attempted to make special elixirs that would give everlasting life and cure sickness.

Example Sentences

The Nuton name plays on Isaac Newton, the alchemist, as well as the hunt for “a new ton” of copper, which had become elusive via deal or discovery, Burley said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

Whoever can turn it invisible by bending light around it will change warfare just as dramatically as the Chinese alchemist 900 years ago who was looking for the elixir of life and discovered gunpowder.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024

"We're essentially transforming materials into something else, perhaps approaching the dream of the alchemist!."

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2024

Back in the album chart, hip-hop alchemist Travis Scott holds steady at number two with his sprawling fourth album, Utopia.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2023

The alchemist was in his shirtsleeves, without his scarlet cravat.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor