Alcohol

Definition

Alcohol is a noun that generally refers to any organic compound with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. It is commonly associated with ethanol, a type of alcohol used in beverages and various industrial applications, known for its psychoactive effects.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæl.kəˌhɔl/
• Respelling: AL-kuh-hawl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæl.kəˌhɒl/
• Respelling: AL-kuh-hol

Etymology

The word "alcohol" originates from the Arabic term "al-kuḥl," referring to "kohl," a fine powder used for cosmetic purposes. Over time, the term was adapted to mean "purity" or "distillation" in reference to the distilled essence of a substance. It entered English in the 16th century, evolving to describe distilled spirits and ethanol.

Derivatives

• Alcoholic (adjective/noun)
• Alcoholism (noun)
• Nonalcoholic (adjective)
• Alcoholize (verb)
• Alcoholicity (noun)

Synonyms

• Spirit
• Ethanol
• Liquor

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "alcohol" is used in various contexts, from scientific discussions about organic chemistry to everyday references to alcoholic beverages. For example, "The solution contains 5% alcohol," or "Consuming alcohol in moderation is advised."

Related Terms

• Ethanol: A type of alcohol commonly found in alcoholic drinks, also used as a fuel or solvent.
• Distillation: A process of purifying a liquid by heating and cooling, often used to produce alcoholic beverages.
• Intoxication: The physical and mental state resulting from the consumption of alcohol.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A volatile, flammable liquid commonly used as a beverage or industrial solvent: Refers to ethanol, the primary type of alcohol used in alcoholic drinks.
  • Example: "The lab requires high-purity alcohol for experiments."
• Any organic compound with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a carbon atom: Used in chemistry to refer to a class of compounds, including methanol, ethanol, and propanol.
  • Example: "Methanol is an alcohol used as a solvent and antifreeze."
• A psychoactive substance found in beverages that affects the central nervous system: Refers to ethanol as an ingredient in alcoholic drinks, known for its effects on mood and behavior.
  • Example: "Excessive alcohol consumption can impair judgment."