Etymology Map
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Tonic

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a medicine that invigorates; a mixer drink

Where does the word "tonic" come from? It comes from Greek tonikos, adopted directly into English (1640s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
tonikos
Greek · ancient
"of stretching"
Greek, from 'tonos', tension
2
Stage 2 of 2
tonic
English · 1640s
"strengthening"
'tonic water' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Tonic’s story begins in Greek: tonikos meant “of stretching.” Greek, from 'tonos', tension. It reached English by 1640s as tonic. 'tonic water' dates from the 1800s. Today, tonic means a medicine that invigorates; a mixer drink.