Definition

Adjective: 1. Containing alcohol; alcoholic: Describes a liquid, typically a beverage, that contains a significant amount of distilled alcohol (ethanol). It implies a high alcoholic strength. 2. Of the nature of or resembling alcohol: Pertaining to the qualities or characteristics of strong distilled spirits.

Usage

The word "spirituous" is a formal and somewhat technical term, primarily used to describe alcoholic drinks, especially distilled liquors. It is less common in everyday conversation than words like "alcoholic" or "strong."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The law prohibited the sale of all spirituous liquors on Sundays.
  • Traditional medicinal tonics often contained spirituous extracts.
  • He avoided spirituous beverages, preferring wine or beer.

Advanced Usage

• In historical/legal contexts: Often found in old texts, legal documents, or historical descriptions concerning alcohol regulation, temperance movements, or taxation.
  • The 18th-century act imposed a tax on spirituous liquors.
• In chemistry or pharmacy (archaic): Could describe volatile, alcohol-like substances.
  • The spirituous fraction of the distillation was collected separately.

Variants and Related Words

• Spirit (noun): A strong distilled alcoholic drink such as gin, rum, or whiskey. (e.g., )
• Spiritous (adjective): An alternative, less common spelling with the same meaning as "spirituous."

Synonyms

• Alcoholic: Containing alcohol.
• Hard (as in ): Referring to distilled alcoholic beverages.
• Strong: Having high alcohol content.
• Intoxicating: Capable of causing intoxication.

Antonyms

• Non-alcoholic: Containing no alcohol.
• Soft (as in ): Non-alcoholic.
• Temperate: Abstaining from or moderate in the use of alcoholic drinks.

Adjective

1. containing or of the nature of alcohol
   • spiritous beverages
   • spirituous liquors