Words and terms we hear/see in Full Metal Alchemist.

Alchemist -A person that studies or practices alchemy.

Alchemy -A transmutational process in changing a substance into another substance of the same value. Click here to learn more about alchemy.

Equivalent Trade -The most important rule in alchemy: "You can not gain something without sacrificing something else of the equal value." Another term for this could be "The Law of Conservation."

Automail -Mechanical body parts such as Ed's right arm.

Chimera -A mythical beast that is half lion, half lizard. This monster is told in other cultures like Greek mythology. In FMA, supposely creatures that are created from alchemy. Alchemists combine at least 2 animals to make one.

Transmutation Circle -A symbol/circle alchemists must draw in order to use alchemy. Click here to learn why Ed can use alchemy without a transmutation circle.

State Alchemist -Each is prvoided a speical pocket watch and given their own code name. In order to become a State Alchemist, one must pass the state exam and prove themselves worthy.

Philosopher’s Stone -A shapeless stone that does not follow the "equivalent trade" rule. It grants unbelievable power to those who obtain it. It can make a object from nothing. This stone can be used for bad or good.

Homunculus -Also known as the "seven deadly sins." Their names are Envy, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Pride, Wrath, and Sloth. They are artificial-made humans who has his or her own speical powers.

Ourobouros-The Endless serpent -The snake-symbol, each of the deadly sins have planted on their body is called the Ourobouros. The space bounded by the snake holding its tail in its mouth was inscribed, "One is the All, and by it, the All, and in it, the All, and if it does not contain the All, then it is Nothing." The endless serpent signifies that all matter is basically interchangeable, and that forms are not absolute. Learn more at Good Snakes.

Caduceus-twin snakes -The Elric's serpent-cross is actually a little different. There are suppose to be two snakes instead of one. The single snake is perhaps a rare form of the alchemic symbol. Here is a small legend found in alchemy books. In the Popul Vuh, the creation myth of the Quiche Maya [in Guatemala,] there also appear twin serpents with green feathers, male and female, called Xpiyacoc and Xmucane. The feathered, plumed or flying serpent unifies qualities of heaven with those of the earth. Indigenous people of Australia honour Almudj, the Rainbow Snake a.k.a. Warnayarra whose body parts are the features of the land. Also, the Caduceus is also used for professional companies, like for example, the medical symbol. Learn more at Good Snakes.

Flamel-single snake -This "single serpent" symbol looks smililar to the Elric Brother's snake cross. There are many stories told in Greek and Roman mythology that tell why the lone snake was wrapped around a cross. This flamel design relates somehow to the Caduceus (shown above). The flamel is another symbol for alchemic matters like the above design, but appears to be a rarely seen this way in alchemy scripts and books. The name "Flamel" is also the name of an famous French alchemist, Nicholas Flamel.