aqua vitae en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˌækwə ˈviːteɪ/
- /ˌeɪkwə ˈvaɪti/
Etymology
From 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.
Meanings
- (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.
Ile ſooner truſt an Iriſhman vvith my Aquauita bottle, Sir Hu our parſon vvith my cheeſe, A theefe to vvalk my ambling gelding, thẽ my vvife VVith her ſelfe […]
c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, […] [T]he Merrie Wiues of Windsor. […] (First Quarto), London: […] T[homas] C[reede] for Arthur Ihonson, […], published 1602, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| aqua vitæ | alternative | lexicographic | |
| aquae vitae | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
ardent spirits · water of life · particularly cognac and other French brandy · eau de vie