aqua vitae
noun/ˌeɪkwə ˈvaɪti/ · /ˌækwə ˈviːteɪ/
Etymology From Medieval Latin aqua vītae directly and via Middle English aqua vite and French eau-de-vie, from aqua (“water”) and vītae (“of life”). Doublet of aquavit and akvavit. Compare eau de vie, whisky, whiskey, and water of life from the same source.
1
Alchemy, Pseudoscience An aqueous solution of alcohol typically prepared by distilling wine.
2
Chemistry, Natural sciences, Organic chemistry, Physical sciences Archaic A concentrated aqueous solution of ethanol.
3
Archaic Synonym of ardent spirits, particularly cognac and other French brandy.
- Ile ſooner truſt an Iriſhman vvith my Aquauita bottle, Sir Hu our parſon vvith my cheeſe, A theefe to vvalk my ambling gelding, thẽ my vvife VVith her ſelfe […]c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, […] [T]he Merrie Wiues of Windsor. […] (First Quarto), London: […] T[homas] C[reede] for Arthur Ihonson, […], published 1602, →OCLC, [Act II, scene ii]: