tincture

noun

tinc·ture | \ ˈtiŋ(k)-chər

Definition of tincture

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a solution of a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent

2a : a characteristic quality : cast

b : a slight admixture : trace a tincture of doubt

3a : color, tint

b archaic : a substance that colors, dyes, or stains

4 : a heraldic metal, color, or fur

5 obsolete : an active principle or extract

tincture

verb

tinctured; tincturing\ ˈtiŋ(k)-chə-riŋ

, -shriŋ \

Definition of tincture (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to tint or stain with a color : tinge

2a : to infuse or instill with a property or entity : impregnate

b : to imbue with a quality : affect writing tinctured with wit and wisdom

Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about tincture

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Synonyms & Antonyms for tincture

Synonyms: Noun

cast, color, hue, shade, tinge, tint, tone

Synonyms: Verb

bepaint [archaic], color, dye, paint, pigment, stain, tinge, tint

Antonyms: Verb

decolorize

Did You Know?

Noun

Tincture derives from the same root as "tint" and "tinge" - the Latin verb tingere, meaning "to moisten or dip." "Tincture" specifically derives via Middle English from the Latin tinctus, the past participle of "tingere." When the word first appeared in English in the 14th century, "tincture" referred to a coloring matter or dye, but by the 17th century the word had acquired a number of additional meanings, including "a slight infusion or trace of something." "Tinge" and "shade" are two other words referring to color that can be used the same way. "Tincture" can also refer, among other things, to the colors used in a coat of arms or an herbal or medicinal solution.

Examples of tincture in a Sentence

Noun

a ragged shirt that seemed to be stained with the tincture of blood

Verb

clouds tinctured by the rays of the setting sun

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Emily Rosser, Visual Director Alexis Smart designed a line of tinctures that utilize the diverse healing properties of flowers. — Zoe Ruffner, Vogue, "10 Decadent Beauty Splurges Worthy of Your Tax Return, According to Vogue Editors," 10 Apr. 2019 That includes 1,181 pounds of dried flower and 12,152 units of tinctures, vaping oils and edibles. — Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio medical marijuana prices are still high but going down as market grows," 9 Jan. 2019 While the state is awash in dry marijuana flower that's dirt cheap, the specialized oils, tinctures and potent edibles used to alleviate severe illnesses can be harder to find and more expensive to buy. — Anchorage Daily News, "Analysis: Medical pot takes hit when weed legal for all," 11 June 2019 Two others have received permission to start making edibles, oils, tinctures, patches and other products. — Jackie Borchardt, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio medical marijuana prices are still high but going down as market grows," 9 Jan. 2019 Carson uses five drops daily of the THC free CBD oil tincture. — William Thornton | Wthornton@al.com, al.com, "CBD oil has made believers out of these Alabamians," 3 June 2019 Their product, extracted into a tincture, saved Charlotte from her seizures when no other medicine could. — Amber Senter, Marie Claire, "We Have to Acknowledge That CBD Use Is a Privilege," 11 Apr. 2019 Currently, Pennsylvania only allows for the sale of marijuana oils, extracts, pills, and tinctures. — Sam Wood, Philly.com, "Pa. marijuana board OKs sale of cannabis leaf and flower," 9 Apr. 2018 The menu is refreshingly basic—no crazy ingredients or tinctures, no eye of newt. — Andrea Bennett, Condé Nast Traveler, "17 Best Bars in Las Vegas," 4 Mar. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

That sartorial elegance bespoke a deep embrace of tradition, tinctured with just the right amount of satire to be amusing. — Roger Kimball, WSJ, "Tom Wolfe Had the Right Stuff," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tincture.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.