noun
absinthe
AB-sinth/ˈæbsɪnθ/
A strong alcoholic spirit flavored with wormwood and other herbs.
A glass of absinthe stands beside wormwood sprigs and anise seeds.
Etymology
Greek apsinthion named wormwood, the bitter herb used to flavor the drink. The ingredient’s name thus became the name of the liqueur.
In context
over his absinthe was wont to talk of his possessions in Normandy
More examples
- The menu lists an absinthe cocktail.
- The bottle of absinthe has a strong herbal aroma.
- She recognizes the anise flavor in the absinthe.
Similar words
- pastis
- An anise-flavored spirit with a different traditional herbal composition.
- liqueur
- A broader category of sweetened spirits with varied flavorings.