potable gold

English

Etymology

potable +‎ gold. From being something drinkable that is like gold.

• (alchemy): from being an elixir that confers the untarnishability and eternity of gold to a person

Noun

potable gold (uncountable)

1. (alchemy) A theoretical substance which would confer eternal life on the drinker.
   • 2002, Philip Ball, The Elements: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford, published 2004, page 60:

     This tradition found its way to the West in the notion of ‘potable gold’ (aurum potabile), a medicine that, if drunk, would cure all manner of ills.

2. (historical) A preparation consisting of gold particles in oil and alcohol.

Synonyms

• (drink conferring eternal life): elixir of life

Translations

theoretical substance

drink consisting of gold particles in oil and alcohol

The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.

Translations to be checked

• Latin: aurum potabile

See also

• colloidal gold