# vodka

Pronunciation: say "VOD-kuh" US /ˈvɑdkə/, UK /ˈvɒdkə/

## Noun

1. A clear distilled spirit made from a fermented mash, usually of grain but sometimes of potatoes or other produce.
   - Simple: A clear, strong alcoholic drink made from grain.
   - _The bartender chilled the vodka thoroughly before serving it straight._
   - _Traditional Russian vodka is distilled from rye or wheat._
2. A glass or measure of vodka served as a single drink.
   - Simple: A single drink or glass of vodka.
   - _The waiter set down a vodka and a bowl of olives._
   - _After a long shift, she liked to nurse a slow vodka by the window._
3. A neutral spirit that is distilled, or treated after distilling, so that it has no distinctive smell, flavor, color, or character.
   - Simple: A clear spirit made to have almost no smell, taste, or color.
   - _Federal regulations require vodka to be free of any distinctive aroma and taste._
   - _Producers filter the liquid repeatedly so the finished vodka carries no flavor of its own._
4. The Russian language, as referred to in military, intelligence, or political slang. *(slang)*
   - Simple: The Russian language, in army or spy slang.
   - _Two analysts on the desk translated vodka all through the night._
   - _He picked up enough vodka to follow the intercepted calls._
5. A Russian, especially a Russian soldier, in military or political slang. *(slang)*
   - Simple: A Russian person, in army or political slang.
   - _The patrol reported a single vodka watching them from the ridge._
   - _Several vodkas had set up a checkpoint on the only road out._

## Origin

Borrowed from Russian во́дка (vódka), a diminutive of вода́ (vodá, "water"): so literally something like "little water." The older Russian name for the drink was "grain wine," and research suggests the present name grew from phrases about diluting the pure distilled spirit. It is related to English water and whisky.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/vodka (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).