I. ˈvinigə(r), -nēg- noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English vinegre, from Old French vinaigre, literally, sour wine, from vin wine (from Latin vinum ) + aigre sharp, sour — more at wine , eager
1. : a sour liquid used as a condiment or a preservative that is obtained by acetic fermentation of dilute alcoholic liquids (as fermented cider, malt beer, or wine) or of dilute distilled alcohol and is often seasoned especially with herbs
tarragon vinegar
2. : disagreeableness of speech, disposition, or attitude : sourness
the smile couldn't disguise the vinegar in her voice
3. : a pharmaceutical solution of the active principles of drugs in dilute acetic acid usually prepared by maceration
aromatic vinegar
— see vinegar of opium
4. : vigorous strength and spirits : vim
just a kid, full of vinegar — Eddie Krell
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to treat with vinegar : apply vinegar to
proceeded to vinegar the forehead … of the spinster aunt — Charles Dickens