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.