Tincture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tincture
[ˈtɪŋktʃər ]
Definitions
medical
A medicinal substance dissolved in alcohol or a similar solvent.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tincture |
Use when referring to a solution where a substance is dissolved in alcohol, often used in herbal medicine.
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| solution |
A general term used in scientific or everyday contexts to describe a liquid mixture where one substance is evenly dispersed within another.
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| extract |
Commonly used when referring to a concentrated substance obtained by removing the active ingredient from its source, often used in cooking and supplements.
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| elixir |
Use in a more magical or poetic context, often suggesting a magical or life-giving potion. Can also mean a medicinal solution but typically with more flourish.
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Examples of usage
- The pharmacist prepared a tincture of herbs for the patient.
- The tincture was used as a remedy for digestive issues.
heraldry
A metal representation of a color used in coats of arms, usually depicted as a diagonal line.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tincture |
Typically used in a medical or herbal context to describe a solution where a plant or animal material has been dissolved in alcohol. Less commonly, it can be used in a more poetic or literary context to describe a small amount of something (often color or quality).
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| color |
Used to describe any characteristic or property of an object that can be seen, reflecting specific wavelengths of light. Common in everyday conversation.
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| hue |
Often used in more technical or artistic contexts to specify the shade or nuance of a color. It is frequently used among artists and interior designers.
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| shade |
Used to refer to a variation or degree of a color, often implying darkness or lightness. Common in everyday conversation and also used in artistic contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The tincture of the shield was azure, symbolizing loyalty.
- The tinctures on his coat of arms were meticulously designed.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Uses
- Ancient Egyptian texts mention tinctures as remedies for various ailments.
- In the Middle Ages, tinctures were popular among alchemists who believed in their magical properties.
- During the Renaissance, tinctures became an essential part of herbal medicine, often prescribed by physicians.
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures have unique tinctures, like Chinese herbal tinctures that use roots and herbs for healing.
- In traditional Native American medicine, tinctures made from local plants have been used for generations.
- Tinctures are foundational in homeopathy, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in natural remedies in many cultures.
Science
- The process of making a tincture often involves maceration, where the plant is soaked in alcohol to extract active ingredients.
- Alcohol is commonly used because it can extract a wide range of compounds, making tinctures potent.
- Tinctures can preserve the therapeutic properties of plants for years when stored properly.
Modern Applications
- Today, tinctures are widely used in herbal medicine and can be found in many health shops.
- They are often used as dietary supplements and are convenient for dosing as only small amounts are needed.
- Some chefs use tinctures to enhance flavors in cooking, bridging the gap between health and culinary arts.
Origin of 'tincture'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'tinctura', meaning 'a dyeing' or 'a coloring'.
- It originally referred to a coloring agent used in both art and medicine.
- The word evolved to mean liquid preparations taken for health that are infused with plant properties.
The word 'tincture' originated from the Latin word 'tinctura', which means 'a dyeing'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 14th century. Originally used in alchemy to refer to the process of coloring or staining metals, the term evolved to encompass the idea of a solution or extract in medicine. Over time, 'tincture' also gained significance in heraldry to denote the representation of colors on coats of arms.