Alambique Meaning and Definition
Alambique
Pronunciation
/ˈæləməbi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A double boiler or a still used in alchemy and distillation, particularly for the production of essential oils and perfumes.
Etymology
The word “Alambique” originates from the Spanish term “alambic,” which refers to a type of still or boiler used in the preparation of medicines, perfumes, and spirits.
Usage Notes
When referring to an Alambique, it’s essential to note the context in which it’s being used. In most cases, it’s used to describe a piece of equipment used in ancient times for distillation and alchemy.
Cultural References
In popular culture, Alambiques have been featured in various forms of media, including books, films, and television shows. One notable example is the novel “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, which features an Alambique as a central plot element.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Distill the essence” – This phrase refers to the process of extracting the most crucial and valuable part of something, much like an Alambique is used to extract essences and oils.
Related Words or Phrases
- Alchemy
- Perfume
- Essence
Collocations
- Use an Alambique for distillation purposes.
- An Alambique is a crucial tool for alchemists.
Frequency of Use
The word “Alambique” is not commonly used in modern language, as the practices and equipment described are largely historical and often associated with alchemy and ancient times.
Common Misspellings
- Alambic
- Alambik
- Alambiquee