| A | B |
|---|
| 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 |
| Caravan | A group which travels through the desert. Travelers band together for mutual protection. |
| Language of the Universe | Omens |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 Elixir of Life | The Elixir of Life is the liquid portion of the Master Work |
| The Master Work | The Master Work is a term which refers |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Zeal | Extreme enthusiasm |
