alcohol
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæl.kə.hɒl/US/ˈæl.kə.hɑːl/
Any organic compound in which a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom, typically used in chemistry.
Example Sentences
Methanol is a type of alcohol commonly used as an industrial solvent and antifreeze.
In organic chemistry, primary alcohols have the hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon.
Researchers are developing new catalysts to improve the efficiency of alcohol synthesis in renewable energy applications.
The laboratory technician carefully measured the alcohols required for the synthesis experiment, ensuring precise concentrations for accurate results.
Alcohols play a crucial role in various biochemical processes, including the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates in living organisms.
During the lecture, the professor explained the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols, highlighting their distinct chemical properties and reactivities.
Innovations in alcohol-based fuel technologies are paving the way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The synthesis of complex alcohols involves multiple reaction steps, each requiring careful control of temperature, pressure, and reactant concentrations to achieve the desired molecular structure.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
An organic compound containing ethanol, found in drinks and used medically or industrially.Use “alcohol” to refer to both the class of beverages containing ethanol (like beer, wine, and spirits) and the broader chemical family of organic compounds with a hydroxyl group attached to carbon. In everyday contexts, it primarily means the psychoactive ingredient in alcoholic drinks, known for its intoxicating effects and social role. It can be consumed in moderation for relaxation or celebration but may lead to addiction, health issues, or impairments if misused. Legally, alcohol is regulated by age requirements and guidelines that vary across regions. In a medical or scientific context, “alcohol” can indicate ethanol as a disinfectant or solvent, as well as methanol, isopropanol, and other related substances used in laboratories or manufacturing. When talking about alcoholic beverages, specifying the type—such as beer or wine—helps clarify taste, alcohol content, or cultural norms around its consumption. Responsibly acknowledging potential hazards and legal restrictions ensures a balanced approach, whether you’re discussing health, policy, or casual social settings.
Alternatives
Alternatives and related terms for alcoholic beverages include “spirits,” “liquor,” “beer,” and “wine,” each denoting different production methods and ethanol content. “Hard liquor” or “distilled spirits” (e.g., vodka, whiskey, gin) carry higher alcohol concentrations. Informal slang like “booze” is common in casual conversation but less so in formal writing. From a chemical standpoint, you might encounter “ethanol” specifically when zeroing in on the main psychoactive compound in drinks. Meanwhile, “methanol” (wood alcohol) and “isopropanol” (rubbing alcohol) are non-beverage forms used in industrial or medicinal applications. When discussing use in medical settings, you could say “antiseptic” or “disinfectant” to highlight its germ-killing properties. If describing usage patterns—such as moderate, excessive, or occasional consumption—you can use terms like “drinking” or “imbibing.” Tailor your terminology to context—formal or informal, social or scientific—to ensure clarity about the type and purpose of the alcohol in question.
Writing
When writing about alcohol, clarify its role—are you discussing a craft brewer’s latest IPA, analyzing drinking behavior in a sociological paper, or describing ethanol’s role as a solvent? In an academic or medical context, focus on scientific details or public health implications, possibly citing studies on consumption guidelines, addiction, or economic impact. Historical or cultural pieces might delve into how societies around the world produce and consume different beverages, from centuries-old wine traditions to emerging craft beer movements. In a policy paper, address regulations, age limits, or taxation. If you’re writing a narrative or personal memoir, detail the sensory experience—aromas, flavors, or the emotional backdrop for enjoying or abusing alcohol. In each case, the term “alcohol” can expand to broader discussions of social norms, responsible use, and cultural significance. Precise language—“moderate drinking,” “binge drinking,” “fermentation,” “distillation”—helps convey context and nuance, enabling readers to fully understand the subject matter and its complexities. By grounding descriptions in concrete facts—like alcohol by volume (ABV) percentages—or vivid scenes of convivial gatherings, you bring the topic to life with relevance and clarity.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “alcohol” usually means the drinks folks enjoy in social settings—beer at a barbecue, wine at dinner, or cocktails at a party. You might say, “Let’s grab some alcohol for the celebration,” or “I’m trying to cut back on alcohol.” The word can also appear in cautionary contexts, like “Don’t mix alcohol with certain medications.” If talking about a night out, slang terms like “booze” or “drinks” might come up: “We went out for drinks after work.” When you mention it casually, it’s understood you mean ethanol-based beverages, not the broader chemical category that includes isopropanol or methanol. Whether referencing your favorite craft brewery, sharing a new cocktail recipe, or chatting about drinking responsibly, “alcohol” is a quick way to signify you’re discussing a beverage that can be both fun and potentially risky. Tone, of course, depends on your attitude toward drinking—some might be enthusiastic about exploring flavors, while others may focus on moderation or the negative consequences. In any case, a little context helps listeners know whether you’re toasting at a celebration, trying a new bar, or expressing concern about overconsumption.
Etymology
“Alcohol” traces back to Arabic “al-kuḥl,” originally referring to an ultra-fine powder or essence extracted through sublimation. Over centuries, it evolved in Medieval Latin and Early Modern chemistry, coming to mean ‘a distilled or refined substance.’ Alchemists in Europe borrowed and adapted the term for strong spirits obtained through distillation. By the 16th and 17th centuries, “alcohol” in English began to denote the liquid spirits used for drinking or in scientific processes. As distillation techniques improved, the word expanded to all varieties of ethanol-based beverages, though it retains its older heritage in languages that preserve the sense of refinement or extraction. Today, “alcohol” primarily signifies ethanol in drinks, but the historical link to alchemy underscores how the concept began with refining or isolating potent essences, reflecting a centuries-long tradition of transforming basic materials into more powerful forms—whether medicinal, cosmetic, or recreational.