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

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 Below, check out 11 of the things in my migraine toolbox, from an icy-cool massage roller to my hands-down favorite CBD tincture. — Rosemary Donahue, Allure, "I’ve Tried Countless Products to Relieve My Chronic Migraine Pain — These Are the Ones That Work," 11 Sep. 2018 Best-suited for larger dogs, this oil is completely non-toxic, and its mouthwatering tinctures release a smoking scent that dogs love. — Popular Mechanics, "4 Great Ways To Chill With CBD Oil," 14 Dec. 2018 From Flowers Come Honey is a must-try: a delicate nasturtium tincture highlights the dynamic herbal flavors of Botanivore Gin from local distillery St. George Spirits in Alameda, Calif. — Patrick Thomas, WSJ, "Five Bars Disrupting Silicon Valley’s Nightlife," 5 Dec. 2018 Meticulously crafted sips include a chocolate negroni, a brandy milk punch with cayenne tincture, and a pisco-forward drink utilizing rhubarb shrub and spice-pickled berries. — Antonio Basada, Condé Nast Traveler, "28 Best Bars in Chicago," 1 Mar. 2018 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, "12 Cocktail Books to Improve Your Bartending Skills," 9 Nov. 2018 Their tinctures, lotions, and potions play an important part in their routines, and as interest in the mystic has risen on social media, the beauty industry has taken notice. — Glamour, "6 Witches on Their Favorite Mystical Beauty Products," 31 Oct. 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.