aqua fortis

Noun

aqua fortis (uncountable)

1. A corrosive liquor made of saltpeter, serving as a solvent for dissolving silver and all other metals except gold.

   Synonyms:

   A.F., strong water

2. (dated, dialectal) Any strong and potentially dangerous alcoholic drink.
   • this man’s whiskey ain’t Red Eye, it ain’t Chain Lightnin’ either, it’s regular Agur-forty, and there isn’t a man living can stand a glass and keep his senses.1867 December 25, “Police Reports”, in New Orleans Picayune
   • “Watkey” [vodka] is, in fact, aquafortis, and more injurious than any other spirit.1871 September 9, “Occasional Notes”, in The Temperance Record, number 805, page 422

   Synonyms:

   A.F., strong water

3. (archaic) Synonym of nitric acid.

   Synonyms:

   nitric acid