n. 1 (in full ethyl alcohol) a colourless volatile inflammable liquid forming the intoxicating element in wine, beer, spirits, etc., and also used as a solvent, as fuel, etc. Also called ETHANOL. °Chem. formula: C
[ 2 ]
H
[ 5 ]
OH. 2 any liquor containing this. 3 Chem. any of a large class of organic compounds that contain one or more hydroxyl groups attached to carbon atoms.
[ F or med.L f. Arab. al-kuhl f. al the + kuhl KOHL ]