alkahest

/ˈælkəhɛst/
noun
  1. A hypothetical universal solvent sought by alchemists, believed to be able to dissolve any substance.
    • In medieval stories, the alkahest could dissolve gold, stone, and even glass.
    • The alchemist spent his entire life searching for the legendary alkahest.
    • Some modern writers use the term alkahest as a metaphor for a solution to any problem.
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