Types of strong alcoholic drinks, usually clear and made by distilling grains or potatoes; associated especially with Russia and Eastern Europe.
From Russian 'vodka,' diminutive of 'voda' (water), literally 'little water.' Ironically, this spirit meant to resemble water was one of history's most potent drinks. The word entered English in the 19th century as trade with Russia increased.
Russians called vodka 'little water' because it was actually safer to drink than the contaminated water in medieval times—fermentation and distillation killed bacteria. So this deadly-strong drink was literally a public health solution centuries ago.
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