absinthe

American  

[ab-sinth] / ˈæb sɪnθ /

Or absinth

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.

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absinthe British  

/ ˈæbsɪnθ /

noun

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

2. another name for wormwood

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Other Word Forms

• absinthial adjective
• absinthian adjective

Etymology

Origin of absinthe

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

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

In the absence of absinthe, quite a few anise-based spirits that didn't contain wormwood grew in popularity, but never quite hit the mass appeal of 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

Fact: anise is an entirely different plant, but the two do come together to flavor absinthe.

From Salon

A classic French anise-flavored spirit, pastis was developed after absinthe was banned in 1915, and differs primarily by omitting the wormwood.

From Salon