vinegar
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a sour-tasting liquid used to add flavour to food or to preserve vegetables.
n.a dilute solution of acetic acid formed by the fermentation of ethanol, used as a condiment or preservative.
Simple“She mixed some oil and vinegar together to make a simple dressing for the salad.”
In context“The chef recommended using a high-quality balsamic vinegar to balance the sweetness of the roasted beetroot.”
Synonymsacetic acid - 02 C2 Proficiency
n.energy, strength, or a lively personality.
n.vitality, vigour, or a sharp, energetic temperament.
Simple“Even at eighty years old, the coach was still full of vinegar and ready to work.”
In context“The young candidate was full of piss and vinegar, determined to challenge the established political order during the primary debates.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to add vinegar to food to give it a sour taste.
v.to season, treat, or preserve a substance with vinegar. Transitive use.
Simple“The recipe suggests you vinegar the vegetables before letting them sit overnight.”
In context“The traditional method requires the processor to vinegar the herring thoroughly to ensure it remains shelf-stable without refrigeration.”
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *weh₁y-? Proto-Indo-European *-ō? Proto-Indo-European *wéyh₁ō Proto-Italic *wīnom Latin vīnum Old French vin Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱ- Proto-Indo-European *-rós Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱrós Proto-Italic *akris Classical Latin ācer Late Latin ācrus Old French aigre Old French vinaigrebor. Middle English vynegre English vinegar From Middle English vynegre, from Old French vinaigre from Old French vyn egre, based on Latin vīnum (“wine”) + Latin ācer (“sour”). Displaced Old English æċed (survived in Middle English eced).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.