How Do You Spell ALEMBICS?

Pronunciation: [ɐlˈɛmbɪks] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "alembics" can be a bit tricky, but it follows the phonetic rules of English. The word is pronounced as /əˈlɛmbɪks/, with the stress on the second syllable. The letter "a" is pronounced as the schwa sound /ə/ in the first syllable, followed by the short "e" sound /ɛ/ in the second syllable. The letters "m" and "b" are pronounced together without a break, creating a voiced bilabial nasal /mb/. The final "ics" is pronounced as /ɪks/, with the stress on the second syllable.

ALEMBICS Meaning and Definition

1. Alembics refers to the plural form of the noun "alembic." An alembic is a type of distillation apparatus or vessel that is used in laboratory or alchemical processes for the separation and purification of substances. It consists of a vessel with a long, narrow neck or beak, typically made of glass or metal, and a cooling apparatus attached to the neck.

   The primary purpose of an alembic is to separate various components from a mixture through the process of distillation. Distillation involves heating the mixture in the lower part of the alembic, causing the volatile components to vaporize. The vapor then rises up through the narrow neck, where it cools and condenses due to the cooling apparatus. This condensation causes the separated substances to collect in a different container, allowing for their isolation and further analysis or use.

   The term "alembics" can also have a broader, metaphorical connotation, referring to any process or approach that involves careful, methodical separation or refinement. In this sense, it is often used figuratively to describe the process of analysis or the extraction of essential elements from complex situations or issues.

   Overall, alembics play a crucial role in scientific experimentation, chemical analysis, and the production of distilled liquors or essential oils by enabling the separation and extraction of various substances through the process of distillation.

Common Misspellings for ALEMBICS

• alectics
• Allemains

Etymology of ALEMBICS

The word "alembic" has a fascinating etymology. It originated from the Arabic word "al-anbīq" (الأنبيق), which referred to a type of distillation apparatus used in alchemy. This Arabic term came from Ancient Greek, specifically from the word "ambix" (ἄμβιξ), meaning "cup" or "drinking bowl". It is believed that the Ancient Greeks borrowed the concept of the alembic from the Egyptians, who used similar devices for distillation. Over time, as the field of alchemy spread, the term "alembic" became more common in various European languages. Today, it generally refers to a distillation device used in the scientific or chemical industries.

Similar spelling words for ALEMBICS

• alembic,
• alhambra.