aurifying
|au-ri-fy-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈɔrɪfaɪ/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔːrɪfaɪ/
(aurify)
make into gold / give golden appearance
Etymology
'aurify' originates from Latin, specifically the root 'aur-' from 'aurum' and the formative element related to '-ficare'/'-fy', where 'aurum' meant 'gold' and the element related to 'facere' meant 'to make'.
'aurify' developed from Latin compounds such as medieval/Neo-Latin 'aurificare' (to make into gold) and entered English as a learned formation (compare 'aurification' and related terms in alchemical and scientific texts).
Initially it meant 'to make into gold' (often in alchemical or figurative senses); over time the meaning has been retained but is now rare, technical, or figurative rather than common physical practice.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
gerund/noun sense of aurify: the act or process of converting something into gold (used chiefly as a technical, historical, or figurative term).
Aurifying was a central goal of many medieval alchemical experiments.
Synonyms
Verb 1
present participle of 'aurify'; converting (something) into gold; making gold of (a metal or object).
The alchemist insisted he was aurifying base metals in his workshop.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
giving or tending to give a golden color or appearance; producing a golden appearance or value.
The aurifying glaze gave the pottery a warm, golden sheen.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/20 23:42