potable gold

English

Noun

potable gold (uncountable)

1. (historical) A theoretical substance which would confer eternal life to the drinker.
   • 2002, Philip Ball, The Elements: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford 2004, p. 60

     This tradition found its way to the West in the notion of ‘potable gold’ (aurum potabile), a medicine that, if drunk, would cure all manner of ills.

2. (historical) A preparation consisting of gold particles in oil and alcohol.

Synonyms

• (drink conferring eternal life): elixir of life

Translations

• Latin: aurum potabile (la)

See also

• colloidal gold