aguardiente

[ ah-gwahr-dee-en-tee; Spanish ah-gwahr-thyen-te ]

noun

1. a type of brandy made in Spain and Portugal.
2. a liquor, popular in South and Central America, made from sugarcane.
3. (in Spanish-speaking countries) any distilled spirit.

aguardiente

/ aɣwarˈðjente /

noun

1. any inferior brandy or similar spirit, esp from Spain, Portugal, or South America

Word History and Origins

Origin of aguardiente¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1815–25; from Spanish, contraction of agua ardiente literally, “fiery water”; aqua, ardent

Word History and Origins

Origin of aguardiente¹

C19: literally: burning water

Example Sentences

Each volador takes a turn walking around the tree with the incense and flowers, and sprinkling it with holy water and aguardiente.

From Los Angeles Times

The principal grape drink was aguardiente, a portmanteau meaning “burning water,” a brandy of considerable ferocity.

From Los Angeles Times

It is distinct from other cane sugar liquors, including Colombian aguardiente, because the sugar cane must be grown next to the sea or a river and alongside other crops native to the region that producers say give viche its distinct smoky-citrus taste.

From New York Times

Lexicographer Francisco Sobrino defined ponche or diapente, in 1732, as an English drink made with aguardiente, water, lime and sugar.

From Salon

After Mass, bottles of aguardiente, a local firewater, and beer were passed around to people in need of a stiff drink after such an emotionally draining day.

From BBC