tincture

noun tinc·ture \ ˈtiŋ(k)-chər \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of tincture

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

2 a : a characteristic quality : cast

b : a slight admixture : trace

a tincture of doubt

3 a : 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

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Examples of tincture in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of tincture from the Web

First, Scotch is combined with Chartreuse; then the mixture is sprayed with a peaty tincture and placed under a bell jar, which a bartender proceeds to pump full of wood smoke.

— david kortava, The New Yorker, "The Seventies Reign at the Honeywell," 7 Apr. 2018
The law allows dispensaries to sell plant material for vaping, oils, lotions tinctures and patches to be sold.

— jackie borchardt, cleveland.com, "Not all Ohio medical marijuana growers, dispensaries will open by September deadline to be 'fully operational,' state says," 5 Apr. 2018
Trim: Excess snipping of leaves from the buds of marijuana plants and used to make extracts, tinctures and edibles.

— kathleen gray, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan medical marijuana dictionary: Words you should know," 30 Mar. 2018
The cacao-curious can choose from a wide range of products, from extract tinctures and fruit juice to powder and chocolate bars.

— aliza abarbanel, Bon Appetit, "What Is Cacao, And How Does it Relate to Chocolate?," 29 Mar. 2018
When the commercial program is fully up to speed by late next year, Pennsylvania is expected to have a total of 25 commercial companies growing and processing marijuana into tinctures and vaporizable oils.

— sam wood, Philly.com, "Pa. medical marijuana program to balloon, add research," 22 Mar. 2018
The measure would allow a parent or guardian to administer the drug in the form of oil, capsules, tinctures, liquids or topical creams on school campuses where the practice has been approved by the county board of education, Hill said.

— sarah d. wire, latimes.com, "California’s senators split on 'Dreamers' fix as immigration bill fails," 15 Feb. 2018
Alchemy in a Glass: The Essential Guide to Handcrafted Cocktails Greg Seider offers more than 50 recipes for cocktails, punches, spirit infusions, bitters, and tinctures in this guide, which features beautiful photographs by Noah Fecks.

— sam dangremond, Town & Country, "8 Cocktail Books to Improve Your Bartending Skills," 6 Dec. 2017
On the vanity in front of her are a handful of products, including more skin care, a little powder, some hair tinctures of various weights and finishes with labels.

— brennan kilbane, Allure, "Meet Kristan Serafino, Hollywood’s Most Sought-After Groomer," 22 Mar. 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.

Did You Know?

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.