rubbing alcohol

American  

noun

1. a poisonous solution of about 70 percent isopropyl or denatured ethyl alcohol, usually containing a perfume oil, used chiefly in massaging.

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rubbing alcohol British  

noun

1. a liquid usually consisting of 70 per cent denatured ethyl alcohol, used by external application as an antiseptic or rubefacient

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Etymology

Origin of rubbing alcohol

First recorded in 1925–30

Compare meaning

How does rubbing-alcohol compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• isopropyl alcohol vs. rubbing alcohol

Example Sentences

Be sure to wash the bitten area and your hands with either rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2023

He then returns with rubbing alcohol and the police help carry the protester away as members of the crowd shout "move!"

From Reuters • May 1, 2023

The adhesive is acrylic-based, so if the edges started to peel, which they almost certainly will at some point, you could use rubbing alcohol to remove them and start fresh.

From Washington Post • Mar. 24, 2023

"Calm down, baby," someone said as they put a bit of cotton soaked with rubbing alcohol under my nose.

From Salon • May 14, 2022

I could smell permanent marker and something that might have been rubbing alcohol, but no one was bleeding or crying.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken