Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

arak

[ar-uh k, uh-rak]
noun
  1. arrack.
Show More

arrack

or ar·ak

[ar-uh k, uh-rak]
noun
  1. any of various spirituous liquors distilled in the East Indies and other parts of the East and Middle East from the fermented sap of toddy palms, or from fermented molasses, rice, or other materials.
Show More

Origin of arrack

1595–1605; < Arabic ʿaraq literally, sweat, juice; see raki
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for arak

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • For we were in accord about this, that in New York whiskey is better than arak.

    The Book of Khalid

    Ameen Rihani

  • If the sahib will beat him with a whip he will tell who brought the arak.

  • We first began by drinking, as is the Turkish fashion, some excellent liqueur which is called in these parts "arak."

  • He replied, "I would go to your country if you would give me lots of tej and arak, and nothing to do."

  • You fellows seem to think you can get away with making it with 'arak, and your customers won't know the difference.

    The Star Lord

    Boyd Ellanby

British Dictionary definitions for arak

arrack

arak

noun
  1. a coarse spirit distilled in various Eastern countries from grain, rice, sugar cane, etc
Show More

Word Origin

C17: from Arabic `araq sweat, sweet juice, liquor
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

Word Origin and History for arak

arrack

n.

c.1600, probably picked up in India, ultimately from Arabic araq, literally "sweat, juice;" used of native liquors in Eastern countries, especially those distilled from fermented sap of coconut palm, sometimes from rice or molasses.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper