cocktail

The definition of a cocktail is a mix of different liquors and other liquids, or an appetizer, or a mixture of drugs.

(noun)

A vodka and orange juice drink called a screwdriver is an example of a cocktail.
Shrimp served chilled with a spicy sauce is an example of a cocktail.
A mix of different drugs and medications used to treat an illness is an example of a cocktail.

See cocktail in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

☆ any of various alcoholic drinks made of a distilled liquor mixed as with wine, fruit juice, or soda water and usually iced
☆ an appetizer served at the beginning of a meal, as fruit juice, tomato juice, diced fruits, or seafood with a sharp sauce
Med. a liquid medication consisting of a mixture of various substances, often including a drug

Origin: < ?

noun

Origin: < cock + tail

See cocktail in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of various mixed alcoholic drinks consisting usually of brandy, whiskey, vodka, or gin combined with fruit juices or other liquors and often served chilled.
Medicine
a. A mixture of drugs, usually in solution, for the diagnosis or treatment of a condition.
b. A treatment regimen that includes a combination of several drugs, so that their combined effect is more potent than that of any of the drugs used individually.
An appetizer made by combining pieces of food, such as fruit or seafood: fruit cocktail; shrimp cocktail.

adjective