Athanor \Ath"a*nor\, n. [F., fr. Ar. at-tann[=u]r, fr. Heb. tann[=u]r an oven or furnace.] A digesting furnace, formerly used by alchemists. It was so constructed as to maintain uniform and durable heat. --Chambers.
athanor n : a self-feeding furnace that maintains a uniform temperature; used by alchemists