vinegar
n. · v.-
1 sour liquid (n.) B1 Intermediate Cookinga sour-tasting liquid used to add flavour to food or to preserve vegetables.
a dilute solution of acetic acid formed by the fermentation of ethanol, used as a condiment or preservative.
ExampleShe mixed some oil and vinegar together to make a simple dressing for the salad.
ExampleThe chef recommended using a high-quality balsamic vinegar to balance the sweetness of the roasted beetroot.
- acetic acid
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2 energy or spirit (n.) C2 Proficiency American English Informalenergy, strength, or a lively personality.
vitality, vigour, or a sharp, energetic temperament.
ExampleEven at eighty years old, the coach was still full of vinegar and ready to work.
ExampleThe young candidate was full of piss and vinegar, determined to challenge the established political order during the primary debates.
- lethargy
- weakness
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3 to add vinegar (v.) C1 Advanced Technical Cookingto add vinegar to food to give it a sour taste.
to season, treat, or preserve a substance with vinegar. Transitive use.
ExampleThe recipe suggests you vinegar the vegetables before letting them sit overnight.
ExampleThe 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).