'alcohol' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'al-kuḥl,' where 'al-' meant 'the' and 'kuḥl' meant 'kohl, a fine powder used as eyeliner.'

'al-kuḥl' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'alcohol,' and eventually became the modern English word 'alcohol.'

Initially, it meant 'a fine powder,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a colorless volatile flammable liquid.'