tincture

[ tingk-cher ]

noun

1. Pharmacology. a solution of alcohol or of alcohol and water, containing animal, vegetable, or chemical drugs.
2. a slight infusion, as of some element or quality:

   A tincture of education had softened his rude manners.

3. a trace; a smack or smattering; tinge:

   a tincture of irony.

4. Heraldry. any of the colors, metals, or furs used for the fields, charges, etc., of an escutcheon or achievement of arms.
5. a dye or pigment.

verb (used with object)

, tinc·tured, tinc·tur·ing.

1. to impart a tint or color to; tinge.
2. to imbue or infuse with something.

tincture

/ ˈtɪŋktʃə /

noun

1. pharmacol a medicinal extract in a solution of alcohol
2. a tint, colour, or tinge
3. a slight flavour, aroma, or trace
4. any one of the colours or either of the metals used on heraldic arms
5. obsolete.
   a dye or pigment

verb

1. tr to give a tint or colour to

Other Words From

• pre·tincture noun
• un·tinctured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tincture¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “dye,” from Latin tīnctūra “dyeing”; equivalent to tinct + -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of tincture¹

C14: from Latin tinctūra a dyeing, from tingere to dye

Example Sentences

In the merry-go-round of self-experiments she looked to a homegrown iboga tincture.

From Salon

“It has adverse effects when I take a drop of the homemade tincture without diluting it down.”

From Salon

Your tincture also sounds helpful.

From Seattle Times

The “Rooftop Vermouth” is made in-house, as is the “Lot 35 Creamy Earl Grey Tincture,” the latter involving infusing rye with Earl Grey tea for four hours — longer, and it gets too strong.

From Seattle Times

Q: My primary care provider had me take marshmallow root tincture for heartburn.

From Seattle Times