aquavit

[ah-kwuh-veet, ak-wuh-]

noun

a dry spirit, especially of Scandinavia, made from redistilled grain or potato alcohol and usually flavored with caraway seeds.

Also akvavit.

Origin of aquavit

1885–90; < Danish, Swedish, Norwegian akvavit, aquavit < Latin aqua vīt(ae) water of life

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for aquavit

Contemporary Examples of aquavit

This fancy spice pack pairs with four different spirits—vodka, tequila, aquavit, and gin—to ensure the perfect morning pick-me-up.
The Daily Beast’s 2014 Holiday Gift Guide: For the Don Draper in Your Life
Allison McNearney
November 29, 2014

Historical Examples of aquavit

So John pursued his advantage by inquiring, Have you any aquavit?
Three in Norway
James Arthur Lees
This morning he came into our room after breakfast, with a bottle of aquavit in his hand wherewith to drink our health.
Three in Norway
James Arthur Lees
Just as we were driving off, a brilliantly original idea occurred to him, and he said, Come in and taste my aquavit.
Three in Norway
James Arthur Lees
The weather was so unpleasant, and Bluebeard and his aquavit were so engaging, that we decided not to leave here till to-morrow.
Three in Norway
James Arthur Lees

British Dictionary definitions for aquavit

aquavit

noun

a grain- or potato-based spirit from the Scandinavian countries, flavoured with aromatic seeds and spices, esp carawayAlso called: akvavit

Word Origin for aquavit

from Scandinavian; see aqua vitae

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012