Alco

/ˈælkoʊ/ noun

Definition

A prefix or combining form meaning 'alcohol' or 'alcoholic,' used in scientific and medical terminology.

Etymology

Shortened form of 'alcohol,' from Arabic al-kuḥūl (the kohl, a fine powder), which became associated with distilled liquids and spirits.

Kelly Says

The word 'alcohol' itself comes from Arabic al-kuḥūl, which originally meant powdered eye makeup—Europeans confused the term and applied it to distilled spirits instead, a mix-up that changed the English language!

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