elisir
/e.liˈzir/masculine
The English phrase 'elixir' is translated into Italian as elisir.
The term refers to a liquid believed to cure all ills.
Meaning: liquid which is believed to cure all ills (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word elisir is invariable, meaning it remains the same in both singular and plural forms. For example, when using the plural partitive article, you would say degli elisir to mean 'of the elixirs'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd of 3 syllables: /e.liˈzir/.
Did you know?
- Despite its association with liquid potions, the root of elisir comes from the Ancient Greek word xērós, meaning 'dry'.
- The transition from the Arabic al-ʔiksīr to the Italian elisir shows how many scientific terms in Italian were shaped by historical Arabic alchemy.
- In Italian literature, an elisir is often used metaphorically to describe something that provides an instant boost of energy or joy, such as 'un elisir di giovinezza'.
Examples in context
- La bottiglia di vetro conteneva un prezioso elisir che poteva curare qualsiasi malattia.The glass bottle contained a precious elixir which could cure any disease.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a precious elisir that could cure any disease.Tatoeba #12038645 by Guybrush88, translation #12631818 by laetitiamg
- Il farmacista ha preparato un elisir per la tosse.The pharmacist prepared an elixir for the cough.
- L'antico alchimista preparava un elisir magico.The ancient alchemist prepared a magic elixir.
- Cercavo un elisir per la lunga vita.I was looking for an elixir for long life.
Example conversation
Sofia and Francesco are discussing an ancient book.
- SofiaGuarda, questo libro parla di un elisir magico.Look, this book talks about a magic elixir.
- FrancescoPensi che possa davvero curare tutto, Sofia?Do you think it can really cure everything, Sofia?
- SofiaIl testo dice che è un elisir potentissimo.The text says that it is a very powerful elixir.
- FrancescoSperiamo di trovarlo, Francesco!Let's hope we find it, Francesco!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elixir” translations and entries elisir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elisir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
