Alchemy
The occult science which claims to be able to turn any common metal into gold.
Bedouin
Nomadic tribes that live in the African desert.
Breastplate
Large metal plate worn on the chest as part of a suit of armor. It is used for self defense, but can also be decorative.
Caravan
A group which travels through the desert. Travelers band together for mutual protection.
Language of the Universe
Omens, coincidences and dreams are the means by which the universe seeks to communicate. By remaining open to these omens, Santiago is able to learn more about the world and about himself.
Levanter
The name of the wind that blows off of Africa into Spain. So called because it comes from "the Levant." It is related to the conquest of Spain by the Moors. Santiago thinks that it brings the scent of exotic women and adventure.
Maktub
An Arabic word meaning "written." The shopkeeper uses it to refer to those thing preordained, or written, by Allah.
Moor
Spanish and European name for the Arabs that ruled the Iberian peninsula for almost 500 years.
Personal Legend
A Personal Legend is a true desire, which comes from the Soul of the Universe. This is different from other selfish desires in that the universe conspires to help you realize your personal legend. The story of The Alchemist is the story of Santiago realizing his Personal Legend.
Sacristy
Room where the vestments of the church are kept.
Sahara
The desert that runs across the width of the African continent. Known for its size and its harshness.
Scarab
A type of desert beetle which was sacred to the Ancient Egyptians. They believed that it symbolized the Sun and spiritual rebirth.
Shear
To cut, specifically the wool from a sheep.
Simum
A wind which blows through the desert and destroys everything in its path. A very strong sandstorm.
Soul of the World
A term which comes up repeatedly in the text, the Soul of the World is sometimes equated with God. It is a spiritual force that binds all of us together and governs all things and that speaks with us in the language of signs or omens.
The Elixir of Life
The Elixir of Life is the liquid portion of the Master Work, the goal of all alchemists. The Elixir of Life heals diseases and grants long life when ingested. The Alchemist carries some in a flask through the desert.
The Master Work
The Master Work is a term which refers, in alchemy, to the Elixir of Life and the Philosopher's Stone as a whole. The Master Work is the goal of all alchemists; the Alchemist has achieved it, but the Englishman is still seeking it.
The Philosophers Stone
The Philosophers Stone is the solid portion of the Master Work. The Philosopher's Stone has the ability to turn any metal into gold, an ability which the Alchemist uses to generate gold at the Coptic monastery in Egypt before taking his leave of Santiago.
Umim and Thummim
Two stones given to Santiago by Melchizedek. Melchizedek instructs Santiago to use them when he cannot read the omens of the world. These stones are drawn from a bag, with one signifying no and the other one signifying yes.
Zeal
Extreme enthusiasm, can sometimes be used pejoratively in the case of calling one a "zealot."
