mother of vinegar

American  

noun

1. mother.

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Etymology

Origin of mother of vinegar

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

This consists in the change of alcohol into acetic acid through the agency of a minute organism commonly called mother of vinegar.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

Vinegar, when properly made, should remain clear, and should not form a heavy deposit or produce any large amount of the fungous growth, commonly called the "mother" of vinegar.

From Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value by Snyder, Harry

The mother of vinegar examined in the same way is seen to be swarming with a mass of wriggling little worms, and may possibly cause the observer to abstain from all salads forever after.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.

It is one of the aerobic ferments, and is present in what is known as the "mother" of vinegar and is secreted by it.

From Human Foods and Their Nutritive Value by Snyder, Harry

The two ideas for which the same word is used are hardly more alike than mother of pearl and mother of vinegar.

From The Booklover and His Books by Koopman, Harry Lyman