A*lem"bic (#), n. [F. alambic (cf. Sp. alambique), Ar. al-anbiq, fr. Gr. cup, cap of a still. The cap or head was the alembic proper. Cf. Limbec.]

An apparatus formerly used in distillation, usually made of glass or metal. It has mostly given place to the retort and worm still.

Used also metaphorically. The alembic of a great poet's imagination. Brimley.

 

© Webster 1913.