Where did the word alcohol come from?

The word "alcohol" has a fascinating history, tracing back to Arabic and then undergoing several transformations in meaning.

Here's the breakdown:

1. Arabic Origin: The word originates from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl," which referred to a fine powder of antimony sulfide used as eye makeup.

2. Alchemical Shift: In the 12th century, European alchemists adopted the term "alcohol" to refer to any fine, powdery substance. This included the fine, white powder that resulted from distillation of certain substances.

3. Chemical Transition: By the 16th century, "alcohol" began to be used specifically for the distilled spirit itself, not just the powder. This is likely because the distillate was often a clear, fine liquid.

4. Modern Meaning: The word eventually evolved to encompass the specific chemical compound ethanol (C2H5OH), which is the main component of alcoholic beverages.

So, while the word "alcohol" started with a cosmetic application, its meaning shifted through alchemy and chemical discoveries to land on the substance we know today.