liqueur
UK[lɪˈkjʊə]US[lɪˈkɜːr]
n
a strong, sweet alcoholic drink, often flavored with fruit, herbs, or spices, and usually drunk in small quantities after a meal.
Etymology
the word 'liqueur' entered english in the 18th century directly from french, where it originally meant simply 'liquid'. its french form is a direct descendant of the latin noun 'liquor' (a fluid), which itself comes from the verb 'liquere' meaning 'to be fluid or clear'. the semantic narrowing from a general term for liquid to a specific type of flavored, sweetened spirit occurred in french, reflecting the drink's development as a refined, often medicinal or digestif, preparation. thus, the modern english meaning retains the core idea of a liquid essence, now specialized to denote a luxurious and aromatic alcoholic beverage.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from french where it is a simplex form. it is derived from the latin word 'liquor' meaning 'fluid' or 'liquid'.
Examples
she ordered a coffee liqueur to sip after her dinner.
the classic french liqueur is made from a blend of herbs and spices.
he used a splash of orange liqueur in the dessert recipe.