alchemy

Definition

The act of using the powers and influence of a position for personal, material gain rather than for the public good.

Etymology

Derived from the Arabic 'al-kimiya', the term originally referred to the medieval practice of attempting to turn base metals into gold. In modern usage, it implies a transformative or magical process, often with an underlying tone of greed or artifice.

In the news

The author uses the term metaphorically to describe the President's focus on personal enrichment through political power, contrasting this self-serving behavior with the pursuit of genuine scientific inquiry.

Trump’s continuing war on science

Juneau Independent

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