rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryalembicDistilling vessel
noun

alembic

uh-LEM-bik/əˈlɛmbɪk/

A vessel used to distill liquids.

The heated copper alembic directs distilled liquid into the receiving flask.

An antique copper alembic in operation: a rounded boiler heated over a small charcoal brazier, a domed collecting head with a long descending spout, and a clear receiving flask catching a droplet of distilled liquid.
Etymology
alArabicthe
+embicGreekcup

The “cup” element developed into the name of a vessel used for distillation. The Greek word’s deeper origin is unknown, possibly Semitic.

In context

CrashCourse4:02
combine the right ingredients in an egg-shaped vessel called an alembic
Alchemy: History of Science #10

More examples

  • The exhibit includes an alembic from an early laboratory.
  • Liquid condensed in the curved neck of the alembic.
  • The workshop displayed copper alembics once used for distillation.

Forms

alembic · alembics

Similar words

still
Names distillation apparatus more generally, including large modern equipment.
retort
Typically has a bent neck as part of a single vessel.