Alcohol Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐บ
alcohol
[หalkษhษl ]
Definitions
drinking
A colorless volatile flammable liquid that is the intoxicating constituent of wine, beer, spirits, and other drinks, and is also used as an industrial solvent and as fuel.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| alcohol |
This word is commonly used in formal and medical contexts. It is also appropriate in everyday conversation when referring to alcoholic beverages in general.
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| liquor |
This term is used to refer specifically to strong alcoholic drinks, such as whiskey, vodka, or rum. It can be used both in formal and informal settings, but it is more precise than 'alcohol'.
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| spirits |
This term is often used in the alcohol industry and is another way to refer to strong alcoholic beverages like whiskey, vodka, and gin. It can be used in both formal contexts and in marketing.
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| booze |
This is a more informal and colloquial term for alcohol. It is often used in casual conversations and can carry a slightly negative or irreverent connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health problems.
- She decided to quit alcohol and live a healthier lifestyle.
chemistry
Any organic compound whose molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups attached to a carbon atom.
Synonyms
ethanol, isopropanol, methanol.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| alcohol |
General term for beverages containing ethanol and for chemical substances used in multiple contexts.
|
| ethanol |
Technical term for the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. Used in scientific, medical, and industrial contexts.
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| methanol |
A type of alcohol that is highly toxic to humans, used primarily as an industrial solvent, antifreeze, and fuel.
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| isopropanol |
Often referred to as isopropyl alcohol, used primarily as a disinfectant and in industrial processes.
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Examples of usage
- Ethanol is the most common type of alcohol used in alcoholic beverages.
- Isopropyl alcohol is commonly used as a disinfectant.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures have traditional alcoholic drinks, like sake in Japan, tequila in Mexico, or beer in Germany, each serving a unique role in social gatherings.
- Festivals around the world often feature alcoholic beverages, like Oktoberfest in Germany, which celebrates beer and its cultural heritage.
- Some religious practices use alcohol, such as wine in Christian ceremonies, signifying its deep historical roots in various traditions.
Health Effects
- Moderate consumption of certain types may have some health benefits, like red wine potentially impacting heart health.
- However, excessive intake is linked to a range of illnesses including liver disease and various types of cancer.
- The psychological effects can vary widely โ some might feel relaxed and happy, while others may experience aggression or depression.
Legal and Social Aspects
- Drinking age laws vary around the world, with most countries setting the minimum age between 18 and 21.
- Public attitudes toward alcohol vary greatly; some see it as a normal part of social life while others view it as taboo.
- There are movements advocating for sobriety and reduced drinking due to increasing awareness of its potential dangers.
Literature and Art
- Alcohol has been a recurring theme in literature, often symbolizing freedom or escapism in works by authors like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
- In art, many famous paintings depict scenes with alcohol, like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's works showcasing Parisian nightlife.
- Poetry often reflects on the elation or sorrows linked to alcohol, expressing the complex relationship people have with it.
Origin of 'alcohol'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Arabic 'al-ghawl', which means 'the spirit' or 'the essence', showing its historical connection to spirits.
- In the 16th century, the term referred to the distillation process, which produces strong beverages.
- Latin use of the term 'alcohol' later denoted any pure substance, and eventually, it became associated specifically with intoxicating drinks.
The word 'alcohol' originates from the Arabic term 'al-kuแธฅl' which means 'body-eating spirit'. This term originally referred to a fine powder produced by sublimation that was used in the Middle Ages as an essential component of cosmetics, perfumes, and medical potions. The modern usage of the term to refer to intoxicating drinks dates back to the 18th century.
See also: alcoholic.