strong water

English

Etymology

After post-classical Latin aqua fortis.

Noun

strong water (plural strong waters)

1. (now historical) A strong solvent, (specifically) nitric acid. [from 15th c.]
2. (now historical) Alcoholic spirit; a strong alcoholic drink. [from 17th c.]
   • 1728, John Gay, The Beggar's Opera, III.8:

     Strong-Waters are apt to give me the Head-ache—I hope, Madam, you will excuse me.