Agency Dictionary
Potion
nounPronunciation: /ˈpoʊ.ʃən/
In Portuguese: Poção
What does “Potion” mean?
A liquid concoction endowed with purported medicinal, magical, toxic, or transformative powers.
Etymology
From Middle English pocioun, from Old French pocion, from Latin pōtiō (a drinking, a draught), from pōtāre (to drink). The word shares its Latin root with poison and potable. The sense of a magical or medicinal liquid developed in medieval use.
Usage note
Potion is the doublet of poison: both derive from Latin pōtiō through different channels. A potion carries connotations of magic or deliberate preparation; poison emphasizes harm.
Synonyms
- brew
- draught
- elixir
- concoction
Word family
- potable
- potation
- poison
Rhymes with
- lotion
- motion
- notion
- ocean
- devotion
- emotion
Usage examples
This accidental consumption of the love potion is what sets the stage for the tragic and complicated love affair between Tristan and Isolde that is at the heart of this antique legend.
Concepts
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Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
Words of the same theme
- Rebirthnoun
- A new beginning after a period of decline or destruction, used in mythology to describe the cyclical return to life after death. In Archetype.0, rebirth is the defining characteristic of both the Bennu and the Phoenix.
- Synchronicitynoun
- The simultaneous occurrence of events that appear meaningfully related yet lack a direct causal connection.
- Self-immolationnoun
- The deliberate destruction of oneself, typically by fire. In Archetype.0, self-immolation is the voluntary act by which the phoenix builds a nest of fragrant spices and woods, ignites itself and is consumed by the flames.
- Immortalitynoun
- The quality of being immune to permanent death, living or enduring beyond a single lifespan. In Archetype.0, immortality is one of the five semiotic attributes of the Phoenix: the flames are not an end but a transition, an essential phase of its immortal existence.
- Mjolnirnoun
- In Norse mythology, the hammer of the god Thor, forged by dwarfs and known for its short handle. It is the weapon with which he defends gods and humans.
- Blissnoun
- A state of supreme happiness, utter contentment, or serene, untroubled joy.
- Chacronanoun
- The tropical shrub Psychotria viridis whose leaves provide dimethyltryptamine in the preparation of ayahuasca.
- Decoctionnoun
- The process of extracting soluble chemicals and active compounds from tough plant materials by continuous boiling in water.
Also from these editions: terms
- Agapenoun
- A selfless, unconditional, and altruistic form of love often associated in theology with divine charity.
- Alchemistnoun
- A practitioner of alchemy, seeking to transmute base metals into noble elements and discover a universal cure.
- Ambiguitynoun
- The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness or uncertainty of meaning.
- Androgynenoun
- A mythical primordial being uniting male and female characteristics in a single unified body.
- Aûsunoun
- An Old Tupi noun denoting love, affection, friendship, or benevolent regard.
- Aûsubverb
- An Old Tupi transitive verb meaning to love, care for, or hold someone in deep esteem.
- Benefactornoun
- A person who supports, protects, or assists another individual through resources, rank, or mentorship.
- Bombasticadjective
- High-sounding, pompous, or inflated in speech or style with little genuine substance or humility.
- Chivalrynoun
- The medieval knightly code of conduct demanding honor, valor, courtesy, loyalty, and Christian devotion.
- Decorumnoun
- Behavior in keeping with good taste, propriety, and established standards of dignity.
- Demagoguenoun
- A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than rational argument.
- Elixirnoun
- A magical or medicinal potion believed capable of curing illnesses or conferring exceptional vitality.
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