'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' through Middle English.

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