Definition of "vinegar" []

• An impure dilute solution of acetic acid obtained by fermentation beyond the alcohol stage and used as a condiment and preservative. (noun)
• Sourness of speech or mood; ill temper. (noun)
• Liveliness and enthusiasm; vim. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But I don't see how the vinegar is the substitute ..."
• "In vindaloo, the vinegar is an influence from the Portuguese merchants who carried wine -- but because of the long trip some would sour and they would find a cooking use for it."
• "Beeper, the vinegar is there to help activate the baking soda."