ethyl alcohol

noun

: a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid C2H5OH that is the intoxicating agent in liquors and is also used as a solvent and in fuel : ethanol
Denatured alcohol is simply ethyl alcohol that has been mixed with toxic or nauseating substances, called denaturants (these prevent the alcohol from being consumed).Martha Stewart
Made from ethyl alcohol, plant-based compounds and other natural ingredients known to have virucidal properties, this citrus-scented liquid formula fights germs and can help reduce the risk of infection.J. P. Anderson
When yeast cells, either cultivated or wild, come into contact with fresh must, especially that of grapes, and metabolize the must's complex natural sugars, ethyl alcohol is created.advertisement in The New York Times Magazine

Examples of ethyl alcohol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
According to the report, the 22-year-old University of Missouri senior died of accidental drowning and ethyl alcohol intoxication. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 18 June 2024 The amount of pure ethyl alcohol (the potable kind) produced daily is about one ounce. Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2023 The yeast consumes sugars and produces ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts during the process called fermentation – that’s how the bourbon becomes alcoholic. Michael W. Crowder, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2023 Once your buds are wax- and dirt-free, rub them down with a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe or a 75% ethyl alcohol wipe. Julia Ries, SELF, 27 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for ethyl alcohol 

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ethyl alcohol was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near ethyl alcohol

Cite this Entry

“Ethyl alcohol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethyl%20alcohol. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ethyl alcohol

noun

Medical Definition

ethyl alcohol

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ethyl alcohol

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!