noun
spirit
A volatile distilled liquid.
The distillery makes a clear spirit from locally grown grain.
Etymology
Breath suggested an invisible, volatile substance. Distillation applied spirit to the vapor-like essence obtained from a material and then to the distilled liquid.
More examples
- She prefers aged spirits, such as whiskey and brandy.
- The bartender measures the spirit before adding juice.
- Mineral spirits remove paint from the brushes.
Forms
spirit · spirits
Similar words
- liquor
- Refers to distilled alcoholic drinks, not chemical preparations.
- distillate
- Names any product of distillation, not necessarily alcoholic.