tincture

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The Word of the Day for July 9 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 

Example sentence: 
     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.  





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