alcohol etymology

Etymology of "Alcohol":

The word "alcohol" originates from the Arabic word "al-kuhl", which means "a fine powder of antimony".

Antimony was used in ancient times as a cosmetic to darken the eyes. When it was dissolved in a liquid, it formed a solution called "al-kuhl".

In the 12th century, the Latin word "alcohol" was adopted from "al-kuhl" to refer to a substance distilled from wine. This substance was a volatile liquid that could burn.

Meaning of "Alcohol":

Alcohol, in chemistry, is a compound that contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom.

In common usage, "alcohol" typically refers to ethanol or ethyl alcohol, which is the intoxicating substance found in alcoholic beverages.

Origin of Alcohol:

Ethanol has been produced by humans for thousands of years through the process of fermentation. In fermentation, yeasts convert the sugars in fruits, grains, or other plant materials into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.

The earliest evidence of alcohol production dates back to the Neolithic period (around 10,000 BCE) in the Middle East and China. It is believed that the discovery of alcohol occurred accidentally when fermented fruit or honey was left in containers for an extended period.

Over time, the production and consumption of alcoholic beverages became widespread in many cultures around the world. Today, alcohol continues to be a significant part of human society, both as a recreational drug and as an ingredient in various products, including beverages, foods, and medicines.

alcohol relate terms

  • brandy

    Etymology and Origin of Brandy The term brandy comes from the Dutch word brandewijn

  • alcoholic

    Etymology The word alcoholic is derived from the Arabic word al kuhl which means f

  • alcohol

    Etymology of Alcohol The word alcohol originates from the Arabic word al kuhl whi

  • alcoholism

    Etymology Alcohol From the Arabic word al kuhl meaning fine powder of antimony sul

  • synovia

    Etymology Greek syn together oo egg ia suffix indicating a condition

  • vinyl

    Etymology The word vinyl is derived from the Latin word vinum which means wine Th

  • cholesterol

    Etymology and Meaning The term cholesterol is derived from the Greek words chole χ

  • spirituous

    Etymology From Latin spiritus meaning breath spirit life Meaning and Origin T

  • ester

    Etymology The word ester is derived from the German word Essigäther meaning vinega

  • temperance

    Etymology The word temperance comes from the Latin word temperantia which means mod

  • booze

    Etymology The word booze is derived from the Middle Dutch word būsen meaning to d

  • wine

    Etymology The word wine originates from the Latin word vinum which is believed to ha

  • liquor

    Etymology The word liquor derives from the Latin word liquor meaning liquid Mea