alcohol

[al-kuh-hawl, -hol]

noun

1. Also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, ethanol. Also called fermentation alcohol. a colorless, limpid, volatile, flammable, water-miscible liquid, C 2 H 5 OH, having an etherlike odor and pungent, burning taste, the intoxicating principle of fermented liquors, produced by yeast fermentation of certain carbohydrates, as grains, molasses, starch, or sugar, or obtained synthetically by hydration of ethylene or as a by-product of certain hydrocarbon syntheses: used chiefly as a solvent in the extraction of specific substances, in beverages, medicines, organic synthesis, lotions, tonics, colognes, rubbing compounds, as an automobile radiator antifreeze, and as a rocket fuel.

2. whiskey, gin, vodka, or any other intoxicating liquor containing this liquid.

3. Chemistry.,  any of a class of chemical compounds having the general formula ROH, where R represents an alkyl group and –OH a hydroxyl group, as in methyl alcohol, CH 3 OH, or ethyl alcohol, C 2 H 5 OH.

alcohol

/ ˈælkəˌhɒl /

noun

1. Also called: ethanol.  ethyl alcohol. a colourless flammable liquid, the active principle of intoxicating drinks, produced by the fermentation of sugars, esp glucose, and used as a solvent and in the manufacture of organic chemicals. Formula: C 2 H 5 OH

2. a drink or drinks containing this substance

3. chem any one of a class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups bound to carbon atoms. The simplest alcohols have the formula ROH, where R is an alkyl group Compare phenol See also diol triol

alcohol

1. Any of a large number of colorless, flammable organic compounds that contain the hydroxyl group (OH) and that form esters with acids. Alcohols are used as solvents and for manufacturing dyes, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Simple alcohols, such as methanol and ethanol, are water-soluble liquids, while more complex ones, like cetyl alcohol, are waxy solids. Names of alcohols usually end in –ol.

2. Ethanol.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcohol¹

1535–45; < New Latin < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-kuḥl the powdered antimony, the distillate

Word History and Origins

Origin of alcohol¹

C16: via New Latin from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-kuhl powdered antimony; see _kohl

Example Sentences

Both couples argued frequently after they left the pods, as clashing communication styles and alcohol consumption fueled disagreements.

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There was also no reported increase in the level of drug and alcohol use among those receiving the money.

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Peers of the beer company have been wrestling with declining sales volumes, as consumers change their tastes and continue to tighten their belts while the alcohol industry comes under heavier regulatory scrutiny.

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This can be even more worrying when alcohol is thrown into the mix.

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Researchers studying three groups of people -- individuals with autism, those with fetal alcohol syndrome, and a "neurotypical" control group -- found that cognitive ability strongly influenced how well participants understood speech in noisy conditions.

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Related Words

• booze 
• drink 
• ethanol 
• liquor 
• methanol 
• smoke