aqua vitae
/ˌeɪkwə ˈvaɪti/ noun
Forms aquae vitae aqua vitæ
- noun (alchemy) An aqueous solution of alcohol typically prepared by distilling wine.
- noun (organic chemistry, archaic) A concentrated aqueous solution of ethanol.
- noun (archaic) Synonym of ardent spirits, particularly cognac and other French brandy.
Synonyms
water of life eau de vie ardent spirits particularly cognac and other French brandy
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.
Sources: Wiktionary — from the Wiktionary entry “aqua vitae”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details