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

But a quick perusal shows that most of these are simple, familiar chemicals that are allowed for very specific reasons, like hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol as disinfectants for equipment.

From Salon

“Shouldn’t we dip his stub into some rubbing alcohol or something? Don’t we have ointment?”

From Literature

Anyone who sees the insects is encouraged to smash them or scrape the egg masses into a container with hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol to kill them.

From Seattle Times

Pour one teaspoon of rubbing alcohol into the bottle and screw the cap back on.

From National Geographic Kids

Cold packs, antibacterial products, hair dye, rubbing alcohol, nail polish, hand sanitizer.

From Seattle Times