A clear distilled alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains or potatoes.
From Russian 'vodka,' diminutive of 'voda' meaning 'water.' The diminutive form literally means 'little water,' reflecting both the drink's clear appearance and its cultural significance in Russian society.
Vodka's name reveals the Russian cultural relationship with this spirit - calling it 'little water' suggests both affection and the drink's integration into daily life. The word's journey into English represents the globalization of what was once a regional drink, now becoming one of the world's most popular spirits.
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