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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet one of them—ethyl alcohol, or ethanol—is a staple of the human diet. —Leeaundra Keany, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2012

The final products are ethyl alcohol, which is used to make the company’s vodka and other products such as perfume, as well as paraffin, which forms the basis of its jet fuel. —John General, CNN, 10 Nov. 2022

After the first stage was modified, the rocket used a blend of propellants more powerful than the previous ethyl alcohol. —Lee Roop | [e-mail], al, 15 Nov. 2022

Hand sanitizers are made from either ethyl alcohol, which is the alcohol in alcoholic beverages, or from isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 29 Aug. 2022

Several flavors belonging to brands like Truly Hard Seltzer, Vizzy Hard Seltzer and Bud Light Seltzer contain ethyl alcohol. —Kim Bojórquez, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 Mar. 2022

To soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin, this nourishing sanitizer contains 70 percent pharma-grade ethyl alcohol made from organic cane sugar, as well as a conditioning blend of Aloe, Rosa Canina, Jojoba, and Argan. —Essence, 21 Mar. 2022

Those seltzers with ethyl alcohol flavorings will now be sold only in 45 state liquor stores. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Mar. 2022

Also, some brands package their seltzers in variety packs, and if even one flavor is made with ethyl alcohol, the whole pack would be allowed only in liquor stores. —The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Mar. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ethyl alcohol

noun

: ethanol

Medical Definition

ethyl alcohol

noun

: ethanol