1. an apparatus formerly used in distillation, typically made of glass or metal with a rounded bottom and a long neck
Usage: historical; chemistry
2. something that refines or transforms through a process resembling distillation
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The medieval alchemist heated his mixture in a copper alembic.
• Ancient alembics were essential tools for early chemists and perfume makers.
• The museum displayed a collection of glass alembics from the 16th century.
• Time served as an alembic, distilling his raw experiences into wisdom.
• The artist’s studio became an alembic where inspiration was transformed into masterpieces.
• Early distillers used alembics to separate alcohol from fermented liquids.
• Her mind was like an alembic, refining complex ideas into simple truths.