aquavite
|a-qua-vi-te|
/ˌæk.wəˈvaɪ.ti/
‘water of life’ → strong distilled spirit
Etymology
'aquavite' originates from Latin, specifically the phrase 'aqua vitae', where 'aqua' meant 'water' and 'vitae' meant 'of life'.
'aquavite' entered English via Medieval Latin and through comparison with French usages (cf. French 'eau-de-vie'); it appeared in Middle English as forms like 'aquavite' and coexisted with related forms such as Scandinavian 'akvavit'.
Initially it meant 'water of life' referring to a medicinal distilled spirit; over time it came to denote any strong distilled alcoholic liquor (e.g., brandy) and is now largely archaic.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an archaic term for a strong distilled spirit (literally 'water of life'); especially brandy or other medicinal/distilled liquors.
He warmed himself with a small glass of aquavite after the long ride.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/30 06:46