Definition

Noun: 1. A colorless Mexican liquor: An alcoholic spirit, traditionally from Mexico, distilled from the fermented juices of certain agave plants, especially the maguey or century plant (Agave americana). 2. A small, spineless cactus: A specific type of round cactus (genus Lophophora), also known as peyote, which is the source of mescal buttons (dried disc-shaped tops that contain psychoactive alkaloids).

Usage Examples

• Noun (Liquor):
  • We sampled the local mescal at the bar in Oaxaca.
  • Unlike tequila, which is made from blue agave, traditional mescal can be made from several types of agave.
• Noun (Cactus):
  • The mescal cactus grows in the deserts of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.
  • Some indigenous cultures have used mescal buttons in religious ceremonies for centuries.

Advanced Usage

• "Mescal button": Refers specifically to the dried, disc-shaped top of the peyote cactus (), which is chewed or brewed for its psychoactive properties.
  • The ritual involved the consumption of mescal buttons.

Variants and Related Words

• Mezcal: An alternative spelling, often used interchangeably with "mescal" for the liquor. In modern regulated terms, is the protected name for the spirit, while is a specific type of mezcal from a defined region.
• Peyote: The more common name for the cactus from which mescal buttons are harvested.
• Maguey: A general term for agave plants, especially those used to produce mescal liquor.

Synonyms

• For the liquor: Agave spirit, Mexican liquor.
• For the cactus: Peyote, Lophophora.

Important Note on Meanings

It is critical to distinguish between the two primary meanings based on context: 1. In discussions about food, drink, or alcohol, "mescal" almost always refers to the Mexican liquor. 2. In discussions about botany, indigenous cultures, or psychoactive substances, "mescal" typically refers to the peyote cactus or its "buttons." Confusing these can lead to significant misunderstanding.

Noun

1. a colorless Mexican liquor distilled from fermented juices of certain desert plants of the genus Agavaceae (especially the century plant)
2. a small spineless globe-shaped cactus; source of mescal buttons