absinthe

Or ab·sinth

[ab-sinth]

noun

1. a green, aromatic liqueur that is 68 percent alcohol, is made with wormwood and other herbs, and has a bitter, licorice flavor.

2. wormwood.

absinthe

/ ˈæbsɪnθ /

noun

1. a potent green alcoholic drink, technically a gin, originally having high wormwood content

2. another name for wormwood

Other Word Forms

• absinthial adjective
• absinthian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of absinthe¹

1605–15; < French < Latin absinthium wormwood < Greek apsínthion

Word History and Origins

Origin of absinthe¹

C15: via French and Latin from Greek apsinthion wormwood

Example Sentences

O’Connor’s ice cream brand, dubbed the Icecreamists, made a name for itself by selling extreme flavors, including absinthe and horseradish.

From Salon

There was the Sazerac, of course, in which the ingredients are stirred with ice to temper the burn of the high-proof rye and absinthe while melding the flavors.

From Scientific American

I wasn't ready for how much I loved absinthe.

From Salon

If you've ever ordered a Sazerac, you might've noticed your bartender pour a quarter shot of absinthe into the glass, swish it around, and then dump the liquid into the sink.

From Salon

The optional absinthe, which amounts to no more than a dash per drink, is a late 19th-century addition that gives the drink a little herbal pizazz; do not use more than suggested.

From Seattle Times