prima materia

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English

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Etymology

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From Latin prīma māteria (first matter).

Noun

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prima materia (uncountable)

  1. (alchemy) The primitive formless base of all matter, which is the starting material required for the magnum opus and the creation of the philosopher's stone.
    • 1976, Johannes Fabricius, Alchemy: The Medieval Alchemists and Their Royal Art:
      The alchemist's initial encounter with the prima materia is characterized by feelings of frustration, bewilderment, disassociation and disintegration.

Further reading

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