/ ˈlɪkə(r); NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
( especially NAmE ) strong alcoholic drink
SYN spirits :
hard liquor
She drinks wine and beer but no liquor.
2.
( BrE , technical ) any alcoholic drink :
intoxicating liquor
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (denoting liquid or something to drink): from Old French lic(o)ur , from Latin liquor ; related to liquare liquefy, liquere be fluid.