Alco

{ } n. Shortened forms of Alcoholate. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. alcool, formerly written alcohol, Sp. alcohol alcohol, antimony, galena, OSp. alcofol; all fr. Ar. al-kohl a powder of antimony or galena, to paint the eyebrows with. The name was afterwards applied, on account of the fineness of this powder, to highly rectified spirits, a signification unknown in Arabia. The Sp. word has both meanings. Cf. Alquifou. ] 1. An impalpable powder. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The fluid essence or pure spirit obtained by distillation. [ Obs. ] Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Pure spirit of wine; pure or highly rectified spirit (called also ethyl alcohol or ethanol, CH3.CH2.OH); the spirituous or intoxicating element of fermented or distilled liquors, or more loosely a liquid containing it in considerable quantity. It is extracted by simple distillation from various vegetable juices and infusions of a saccharine nature, which have undergone vinous fermentation. [ The ferementation is usually carried out by addition of brewer's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae to an aqueous solution containing carbohydrates. ] [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

☞ As used in the U. S. “Pharmacopœia, ” alcohol contains 91 per cent by weight of ethyl alcohol and 9 per cent of water; and diluted alcohol (proof spirit) contains 45.5 per cent by weight of ethyl alcohol and 54.5 per cent of water. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Organic Chem.) A class of compounds analogous to vinic alcohol in constitution. Chemically speaking, they are hydroxides of certain organic radicals; as, the radical ethyl forms common or ethyl alcohol (C2H5.OH); methyl forms methyl alcohol (CH3.OH) or wood alcohol; amyl forms amyl alcohol (C5H11.OH) or fusel oil, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. alcolaie. ] (Chem.) A crystallizable compound of a salt with alcohol, in which the latter plays a part analogous to that of water of crystallization. Graham. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. alcoolature. ] (Med.) An alcoholic tincture prepared with fresh plants. New Eng. Dict. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. alcolique. ] Of or pertaining to alcohol, or partaking of its qualities; derived from, or caused by, alcohol; containing alcohol; as, alcoholic mixtures; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic odor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. A person given to the use of alcoholic liquors. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pl. Alcoholic liquors. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. alcoolisme. ] 1. (Med.) Chronic excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages that leads to social, occupational, psychological and physiological problems. [ AS ]

2. (Med.) Psychological and physiological dependence on alcohol; sudden cessation of drinking may lead to withdrawal symptoms. [ AS + PJC ]

n. [ Cf. F. alcoolisation. ] 1. The act of reducing a substance to a fine or impalpable powder. [ Obs. ] Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act rectifying spirit. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Saturation with alcohol; putting the animal system under the influence of alcoholic liquor. [ 1913 Webster ]