Absinth
/ˈæb.sɪnθ/noun
A strong alcoholic spirit flavored chiefly with wormwood and other botanicals.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Ancient Greek ἀψίνθιον, but the Greek plant-name’s deeper origin is uncertain; claims that it literally means “undrinkable” are unproven folk etymology.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀψίνθιον (apsínthion)
“Wormwood, the intensely bitter aromatic plant”
Classical Latin
Latin
absinthium
“Wormwood; also a bitter medicinal substance”
Old French
Old French
absinthe
“Wormwood and a preparation made from it”
16th–17th Century
German
Absinth
“Wormwood-flavored spirit; the German form preserved the final consonant”
19th Century
English
absinth / absinthe
“A potent botanical spirit associated with cafés, artists, and the “Green Fairy””
Modern English
English
absinth
“A variant spelling of absinthe, the wormwood-flavored alcoholic drink”
Explore more surprising origins