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arrack

noun
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ar·​rack | \ ˈa-rək How to pronounce arrack (audio) , ə-ˈrak \
variants: or

Definition of arrack

: an Asian alcoholic beverage like rum that is distilled from a fermented mash of malted rice with toddy or molasses

First Known Use of arrack

1521, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for arrack

probably borrowed from Indonesian Malay arak, borrowed by uncertain mediation from Arabic ʿaraq, short for ʿaraq al-tamr, literally, "sweat of the date (from which the liquor was originally distilled)"; ʿaraq derivative of ʿariqa "sweat, perspire"

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Cite this Entry

“Arrack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrack. Accessed 2 Jul. 2022.

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Britannica English: Translation of arrack for Arabic Speakers

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