bitters

Definition of Bitters in English :

1. bitters

alcoholic liquor flavored with bitter herbs and roots

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Bitters

plural noun

1.

bitter-tasting spirits of varying alcoholic content flavoured with plant extracts

2.

a similar liquid containing a bitter-tasting substance, used as a tonic to stimulate the appetite or improve digestion

plural noun

a liquor containing bitter herbs, roots, etc. and usually alcohol, used as a medicine or tonic and as an ingredient in some cocktails

adj. bit·ter·er, bit·ter·est

1. Having or being a taste that is sharp, acrid, and unpleasant.

2. Causing a sharply unpleasant, painful, or stinging sensation; harsh: enveloped in bitter cold; a bitter wind.

3. Difficult or distasteful to accept, admit, or bear: the bitter truth; bitter sorrow.

4. Proceeding from or exhibiting strong animosity: a bitter struggle; bitter foes.

5. Resulting from or expressive of severe grief, anguish, or disappointment: cried bitter tears.

6. Marked by resentment or cynicism: "He was already a bitter elderly man with a gray face" (John Dos Passos).

adv.

In an intense or harsh way; bitterly: a bitter cold night.

tr.v. bit·tered, bit·ter·ing, bit·ters

To make bitter.

n.

1. That which is bitter: "all words ... / Failing to give the bitter of the sweet" (Tennyson).

2. bitters A bitter, usually alcoholic liquid made with herbs or roots and used in cocktails or as a tonic.

3. Chiefly British A sharp-tasting beer made with hops.