Aqua-fortis

ā′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-rē′gia , a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids, so called because it di olves 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, .; cf. Fr. eau de vie , and usquebaugh . [L. aqua , water, fortis , strong.]