1. plural of alembic: apparatus formerly used for distilling, consisting of a rounded vessel with a cap and tube
Usage: historical; chemistry

Examples

• The medieval alchemists used alembics to separate liquids through distillation.
• Ancient alembics were made of glass or metal and had distinctive curved spouts.
• The museum displayed several ornate alembics from the 16th century.
• Early chemists relied on alembics to purify their compounds.
• The laboratory contained various alembics and other distillation equipment.
• Alembics were essential tools in medieval alchemy and early chemistry.