gin

UK: dʒɪn | US: dʒɪn

Definition

  1. n. 1. A clear alcoholic spirit flavored with juniper berries.

  2. n. 2. A machine for separating cotton fibers from seeds (short for "cotton gin").

  3. n. 3. (Archaic) A trap or snare.

Structure

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Etymology

The word gin has two distinct etymological paths:

  • For the alcoholic drink, it traces back to Dutch genever, reflecting the spirit’s juniper flavor. The spelling simplified to gin in English.
  • For the machine, it derives from engine (via Old French engin), originally meaning "clever device." The cotton gin (invented by Eli Whitney) popularized this sense.
Examples

  1. She ordered a gin and tonic at the bar.

  2. The cotton gin revolutionized agriculture in the 18th century.

  3. (Archaic) The hunter set a gin to catch rabbits.

  4. London dry gin is known for its crisp, botanical flavor.

  5. Without the gin, processing cotton was labor-intensive.