ETHYLALCOHOL Meaning and
Definition
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Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, is a flammable and colorless liquid that belongs to the alcohol family. It is the most common form of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeasts. With a molecular formula of C2H5OH, it consists of two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom.
Ethyl alcohol is highly volatile, having a distinctive, slightly sweet odor and a burning taste. It is classified as a psychoactive substance and is utilized for purposes including recreational use, industrial processes, and as a solvent in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and perfumes.
As an intoxicating agent, ethyl alcohol can have both sedative and stimulant effects on the central nervous system. Its consumption in moderate amounts can result in relaxation, euphoria, and decrease inhibitions. However, excessive consumption may lead to various detrimental effects, including impaired judgment, coordination, and liver damage. Ethyl alcohol can also be toxic, and ingestion of high concentrations may cause alcohol poisoning, coma, or even death.
Ethanol is a key ingredient in the production of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. It is also present in common household products such as rubbing alcohol and fuel for alcohol-burning stoves. Ethyl alcohol is flammable at low temperatures and is utilized as a fuel source, particularly in the form of bioethanol, which is derived from plant materials and used as an alternative to gasoline in vehicles.
Etymology of ETHYLALCOHOL
The word "ethylalcohol" is composed of two components: "ethyl" and "alcohol".
The term "ethyl" is derived from the Latin word "aethylium", which was used to refer to a type of pure spirit or a volatile substance. It comes from the Greek word "aithḗr", meaning "ether" or "upper air".
The term "alcohol" has its root in Arabic, where "al-kuḥl" referred to a metallic powder used in eye makeup. It later evolved to describe any fine powder, before eventually being associated with spirits and distillation in the Middle Ages.
Combining these two components, the word "ethylalcohol" refers to the specific type of alcohol known as ethanol, which is the main ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
