philosophers' stone

Or philosopher's stone

noun

Alchemy.

1. a substance sought by alchemists that would be capable of transmuting baser metals into gold or silver and of prolonging life.

philosopher's stone

noun

1. a stone or substance thought by alchemists to be capable of transmuting base metals into gold

philosopher's stone

1. The stone or material that practitioners of alchemy believed capable of changing other metals into gold.

Figuratively, the “philosopher's stone” is a substance thought to be capable of regenerating man spiritually.

Word History and Origins

Origin of philosopher's stone¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Watson shot to fame in 2001 with the release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, alongside fellow child stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint.

From BBC

A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, set to be thrown away, has sold at auction for more than £21,000.

From BBC

A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, set to be thrown away, is expected to sell for up to £40,000.

From BBC

In 2001, she took on the role of Professor Minerva McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

From BBC

A year later the average age of her fan base plummeted after she appeared as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, a role she would reprise in all of the subsequent Potter movies.

From BBC