liquor
UK[ˈlɪkə(r)]US[ˈlɪkər]
n
an alcoholic drink, especially one that is strong and made by distillation.
n
a liquid produced or used in a process, especially one that is not water.
Etymology
the english word 'liquor' was borrowed in the 13th century from the anglo-french 'licour', which itself derived from the latin 'liquor', meaning 'fluid' or 'liquid'. this latin noun is an agent noun from the verb 'liquere', meaning 'to be fluid or liquid', which traces back to the proto-indo-european root wleikw-, meaning 'to flow' or 'to run'. the semantic journey from the general sense of 'any liquid' to the specific meaning of 'distilled alcoholic spirit' began in late middle english, reflecting the process of distillation which produces a purified, concentrated fluid.
Analysis
the word 'liquor' is a simplex loanword from latin. it cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller morphemes within its current english spelling.
Examples
he was fined for selling liquor without a license.
the recipe calls for a splash of liquor to enhance the flavor.
the chemical plant treats the waste liquor before releasing it.