tincture

noun tinc·ture \ ˈtiŋ(k)-chər \

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

Examples: tincture in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

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

See tincture defined for English-language learners

See tincture defined for kids

tincture was our Word of the Day on 01/30/2018. Hear the podcast!

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

Using it intravenously or under the tongue is most effective for now, depending on the tincture concentration.

— kelly dobkin, Bon Appetit, "How Drinking CBD Cocktails Really Makes You Feel," 22 June 2018
But Florida lawmakers later limited the amendment's scope by directing patients who qualify to obtain medical marijuana to use only oils, sprays, tinctures, vaping and edibles.

— justin sayers, The Courier-Journal, "John Morgan took on medical marijuana in Florida, now he's after NCAA," 11 July 2018
Many viewers circulating the video on social media called on marijuana dispensaries to boycott TreatWell, which combines marijuana plant extracts with coconut oil to produce tinctures that are said to relieve pain in pets and humans.

— NBC News, "'Permit Patty' resigns as CEO of cannabis company in fallout over video," 27 June 2018
Co-owner Eddy Buckingham plans to add drops of a CBD tincture called Daily Dose to their cocktail, the $18 Jade Fizz (like a gin fizz, but with bok choy extract and moringa powder).

— kelly dobkin, Bon Appetit, "How Drinking CBD Cocktails Really Makes You Feel," 22 June 2018
The wild child is flavored with rose syrup, vanilla and a cardamom tincture for a floral, not-too-sweet drink.

— lauren delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Sneak peek: Craft & Common coffee, retail shop in downtown Orlando," 26 June 2018
Legalization also means the increased availability of vaporizers, terpene cartridges, tinctures, and many other less-stinky options.

— robin abrahams, BostonGlobe.com, "Miss Conduct’s common sense rules for socializing in the age of legal pot," 19 June 2018
Until then, patients who qualify to obtain medical marijuana can use only oils, sprays, tinctures, vaping and edibles.

— dara kam, miamiherald, "In latest of a flurry of court actions, smoking medical marijuana is prohibited again," 18 June 2018
It was led by the charismatic Dr. Nathaniel Ignatius Foster, a Jamaican preacher who made his own herbal tinctures.

— sam kestenbaum, New York Times, "A Forgotten Religion Gets a Second Chance in Brooklyn," 7 June 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.

Origin and Etymology of tincture

Middle English, from Latin tinctura act of dyeing, from tinctus, past participle of tingere to tinge

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 3b

See Words from the same year

tincture Synonyms

tincture

verb

Definition of tincture

tinctured; tincturing play \ˈtiŋ(k)-chə-riŋ, -shriŋ\

transitive verb

1 : to tint or stain with a color : tinge

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

b : to imbue with a quality : affect

writing tinctured with wit and wisdom

Examples of tincture in a Sentence

clouds tinctured by the rays of the setting sun

Recent Examples of tincture from the Web

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