AQUA-FORTIS
\ˈakwəfˈɔːtiz], \ˈakwəfˈɔːtiz], \ˈa_k_w_ə_f_ˈɔː_t_i_z]\
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[=a]'kwa-for'tis, n. nitric acid, a powerful solvent, hence used figuratively.--ns. AQUAFORT'IST, one who prepares etchings or engravings by means of aqua-fortis; A'QUA-MIRAB'ILIS, a preparation distilled from cloves, nutmeg, ginger, and spirit of wine; A'QUA-R[=E]'GIA, a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids, so called because it dissolves the royal metal, gold; A'QUA TOFA'NA, a poisonous fluid (prepared from arsenic) made in Palermo in the 17th cent. by a woman Tofana; A'QUA-VI'TÆ, an old name for alcohol, used of brandy, whisky, &c.; cf. Fr. eau de vie, and usquebaugh. [L. aqua, water, fortis, strong.]
By Thomas Davidson
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