\A*lem"bic\ ([.a]*l[e^]m"b[i^]k), n. [F. alambic (cf. Sp. alambique), Ar. al-anb[=i]q, fr. Gr. 'a`mbix 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. Note: Used also metaphorically. The alembic of a great poet's imagination. --Brimley.