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.
Usage:
Chem. formula: C2H5OH 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.
Etymology: F or med.L f. Arab. al-kuhl f. al the + kuhl KOHL
Useful english dictionary. 2012.