Defn: A colorless liquid, C4H8O2, obtained by condensation of two molecules of acetaldehyde: CH3CHO + CH3CHO = H3CH(OH)CH2CO; also, any of various derivatives of this. The same reaction has been applied, under the name of aldol condensation, to the production of many compounds.
ALE Ale, n. Etym: [AS. ealu, akin to Icel., Sw., and Dan. öl, Lith. alus a kind of beer, OSlav. ol beer. Cf. Ir. ol drink, drinking.]
1. An intoxicating liquor made from an infusion of malt by fermentation and the addition of a bitter, usually hops.
Note: The word ale, in England and the United States, usually designates a heavier kind of fermented liquor, and the word beer a lighter kind. The word beer is also in common use as the generic name for all malt liquors.
2. A festival in English country places, so called from the liquor drunk. "At wakes and ales." B. Jonson."On ember eves and holy ales." Shak.
ALEAK
A*leak", adv. & a. Etym: [Pref. a- + leak.]
Defn: In a leaking condition.
ALEATORY
A"le*a*to*ry, a. Etym: [L. aleatorius, fr. alea chance, die.] (Law)
Defn: Depending on some uncertain contingency; as, an aleatory contract. Bouvier.
ALEBENCH
Ale"bench`, n.