strong water

(Redirected from strong-water)

English edit

Etymology edit

After post-classical Latin aqua fortis.

Noun edit

strong water (plural strong waters)

  1. (now historical) A strong solvent, (specifically) nitric acid. [from 15th c.]
  2. (now historical) Alcoholic spirit; a strong alcoholic drink. [from 17th c.]
    • 1728, John Gay, The Beggar's Opera, III.8:
      Strong-Waters are apt to give me the Head-ache—I hope, Madam, you will excuse me.