aqua vitae

[ vahy-tee, vee-tee ]

noun

1. alcohol.
2. spirituous liquor, as brandy or whiskey.

aqua vitae

/ ˈviːtaɪ; ˈvaɪtiː /

noun

1. an archaic name for brandy

Word History and Origins

Origin of aqua vitae¹

1375–1425; late Middle English aqua vite < Latin: water of life; aquavit, whiskey

Word History and Origins

Origin of aqua vitae¹

Medieval Latin: water of life

Example Sentences

As I understand by report I am much charged with starving the colony, I did always give every man his allowance faithfully, both of corn, oil, aqua vitae, etc., as was by the council proportioned.

From Literature

Over time, roughly standard recipes emerged, with names that evoke a Hogwartsian blend of early herbology and outright alchemy: aqua mirabilis, water of flowers, saffron bitters, aqua vitae.

From New York Times

A bit of aqua vitae relieves tooth pains.

From Literature

In a world of contaminated and dangerous water supplies, alcohol truly earned the title granted it in the Middle Ages: aqua vitae, the “water of life.”

From Scientific American

But they want you to drink aqua vitae.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alcohol
• drink
• extract
• liquor
• milk
• oil
• sauce
• syrup
• water