tonic water

Definition

A carbonated beverage containing quinine, originally used as a prophylactic against malaria, and now used as a soft drink or as a mixer in gin and tonic and other cocktails.

Example Sentences

• "Tonic water's active ingredient is quinine, a chemical compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree, native to South America. This alkaloid has long been known to relieve the pain and fever of malaria and other tropical diseases, making it a staple "tonic" in warm-weather countries."