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

Critics say the proposed regulations would effectively outlaw a wide range of popular tinctures, capsules, beverages and other products derived from industrial hemp, including those that contain mostly CBD, a non-intoxicating cousin of THC.

From Los Angeles Times

Other ways in which we “close the loop” are through syrups, infusions, shrubs, tinctures and bitters.

From Salon

“I sell many good oils for cleaning, tinctures for rheumatism, plague, soreness, warts, and bad luck.”

From Literature

A few minutes later, I walked up the street to an herbal apothecary that offers rose quartz crystals alongside dropper-bottle tinctures labeled “Happiness.”

From Los Angeles Times

She will be instructed to ingest strange tinctures and coached to mistrust her own mind.

From New York Times