tincture

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for July 9, 2007 is: tincture • \TINK-cher\ • noun 1 : color, tint 2 a : a characteristic quality : cast b : a slight admixture : trace 3 : a solution of a medicinal substance in an alcoholic solvent Examples: Mabel's stories contain just the right tincture of macabre humor to be enjoyed by readers young and old alike. 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. *Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.