alcohol

[ al-kuh-hawl, -hol ]

noun

1. Also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, ethanol,. a colorless, limpid, volatile, flammable, water-miscible liquid, C 2 H 5 OH, having an etherlike odor and pungent, burning taste, the intoxicating principle of fermented liquors, produced by yeast fermentation of certain carbohydrates, as grains, molasses, starch, or sugar, or obtained synthetically by hydration of ethylene or as a by-product of certain hydrocarbon syntheses: used chiefly as a solvent in the extraction of specific substances, in beverages, medicines, organic synthesis, lotions, tonics, colognes, rubbing compounds, as an automobile radiator antifreeze, and as a rocket fuel. Compare denatured alcohol, methyl alcohol.
2. whiskey, gin, vodka, or any other intoxicating liquor containing this liquid.
3. Chemistry. any of a class of chemical compounds having the general formula ROH, where R represents an alkyl group and –OH a hydroxyl group, as in methyl alcohol, CH 3 OH, or ethyl alcohol, C 2 H 5 OH.

alcohol

/ ˈælkəˌhɒl /

noun

1. Also calledethanolethyl alcohol a colourless flammable liquid, the active principle of intoxicating drinks, produced by the fermentation of sugars, esp glucose, and used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C 2 H 5 OH
2. a drink or drinks containing this substance
3. chem any one of a class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound to carbon atoms. The simplest alcohols have the formula ROH, where R is an alkyl group Compare phenol See also diol triol

alcohol

/ ăl′kə-hôl′ /

1. Any of a large number of colorless, flammable organic compounds that contain the hydroxyl group (OH) and that form esters with acids. Alcohols are used as solvents and for manufacturing dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Simple alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, are water-soluble liquids, while more complex ones, like cetyl alcohol, are waxy solids. Names of alcohols usually end in –ol.
2. Ethanol.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcohol¹

1535–45; < New Latin < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-kuḥl the powdered antimony, the distillate

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcohol¹

C16: via New Latin from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-kuhl powdered antimony; see kohl

Example Sentences

It looks and tastes like alcohol, and the first effects are similar - it can make you feel intoxicated and sick.

From BBC

Ms White, from Orpington, south-east London, died in hospital after drinking alcohol suspected to have been laced with methanol in the backpacking hotspot Vang Vieng.

From BBC

That melee started after prisoners brewed up a batch of contraband alcohol known as pruno, according to a law enforcement report reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Offenders could also be forced to attend drug or alcohol treatment services, or anger management courses, to address the root cause of their behaviour.

From BBC

Just a small amount of methanol can be lethal, but it is sometimes added to drinks because it is cheaper than alcohol.

From BBC

Related Words

• booze
• drink
• ethanol
• liquor
• methanol
• smoke