aqua vitae
aqua vitae · aquae vitae
An aqueous solution of alcohol typically prepared by distilling wineAn aqueous solution of alcohol typically prepared by distilling wine.
/ˌeɪkwə ˈvaɪti/
Meaning
3 senses(countable, uncountable)An aqueous solution of alcohol typically prepared by distilling wine.
(archaic, countable, uncountable)A concentrated aqueous solution of ethanol.
(archaic, countable, uncountable)Synonym of ardent spirits, particularly cognac and other French brandy.
More definitions
- strong distilled liquor or brandy
Origin
From Medieval Latin aqua vītae directly and via Middle English aqua vite and French eau-deFrom Medieval Latin aqua vītae directly and via Middle English aqua vite and French eau-de-vie, from aqua (“water”) and vītae (“of life”). Doublet of aquavit and akvavit. Compare eau de vie, whisky, whiskey, and water of life from the same source.
Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Forms
plural: aquae vitae| Singular | aqua vitae |
|---|---|
| Plural | aquae vitae |
irregular · Lesson
Synonyms
4 synonymswater of lifeeau de vieardent spiritsparticularly cognac and other French brandy
Close in meaning
- strong distilled liquor or brandy:ardent spirits
Lessons for this word
2 lessons- A1Plural nouns — Because its plural is irregular
- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable