azoth
|az-oth|
🇺🇸
/ˈæzəθ/
🇬🇧
/ˈæzɒθ/
universal solvent / vital spirit
Etymology
'azoth' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'al-zābūq' (Arabic: 'الزَّبُوق' or variants), where 'al-' is the definite article meaning 'the' and 'zābūq' meant 'mercury' or 'quicksilver'.
'azoth' changed from the Arabic term 'al-zābūq' into Medieval Latin forms (seen as 'azoth' or 'azothus') and passed into Early Modern English usage as 'azoth' in alchemical writings.
Initially, it meant 'mercury' or 'quicksilver' in alchemical texts, but over time it evolved to mean the 'universal solvent' or 'universal medicine' (and later a figurative 'quintessence').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
in alchemy, the universal solvent or essential agent believed capable of transmuting base metals into gold; often identified with mercury or the philosopher's stone.
The alchemist sought the azoth that would transmute lead into gold.
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Noun 2
a universal medicine or elixir of life — a cure-all believed to restore or prolong life.
Some texts described azoth as an elixir that could heal any illness and grant long life.
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Noun 3
figuratively, the essential or vital principle of something; the quintessence or formative spirit.
In his philosophy, azoth stood for the creative force behind nature.
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Last updated: 2025/12/08 03:46