Alchemy, an ancient science

1. A physical substance that occupies space, possesses mass, and is ultimately convertible to energy: Matter can be a gas, liquid, or solid.
2. The substance of the universe; made up of atomic particles, atoms, and molecules. Matter exists in four familiar states: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma (gas consists of electrons and ions).

Something, such as an intermediate course of action, that occupies a position or represents a condition midway between extremes: A medium is the mean or middle term of deductive reasoning, or a syllogism, in which the opposites or extremes are brought into a context with each other.

The point of greatest development, value, or intensity; apex: Mary tried to avoid the peak of the morning rush hour by leaving an hour earlier for work.

1. An occurrence, a circumstance, or a fact that is perceptible by the senses: Mr. and Mrs. Rawson experienced the phenomenon of the earthquake shaking their house.
2. Unusual, significant, or unaccountable facts or occurrences; marvels: Richard read in his science book about many phenomena that took place over the centuries..

A condition of being widely admired, accepted, or sought after: The novel gained so much popularity that it was produced later as a movie!

Something that precedes and indicates, suggests, or announces someone or something to come: Jack and Jill got engaged in April, which was a precursor to their marriage in December of the same year.

1. Regarding the penetration beyond what is superficial or obvious: Mr. Cloud was known for his profound knowledge and research in the field of meteorology.
2. Pertaining to someone or something that is thoroughgoing or reaches to the bottom of a matter: Mark showed intense and profound learning while studying medicine at medical school.

An individual who supposedly uses supernatural powers over others through the assistance of spirits; witchcraft: In the tale Jenny was reading, the sorcerer performed magic when he used the power of the wicked and villanous spirit.

1. The resistance to change, deterioration, or displacement: Grandfather's rocking chair showed great stability even though it was more than 100 years old!
2. Constancy of character or purpose; steadfastness: Mr. Roberts was chosen as chairman of the committee because of his stability of purpose and resolution.

1. Referring to something becoming stable, steadfast, or fixed: Jeff put a cardboard coaster under one leg of the table to give it a stabilizing position of being level and not tipy.
2. Pertaining to something from fluctuating: The well-balanced and steady economy had a stabilizing effect on the prices of goods.