Which term stands for a diluted alcoholic solution of a not easily vaporized substance?

• A. Syrup
• B. Distilled water
• C. tr. tinct.
• D. Cream

Answer: (C)

A tincture is an alcoholic solution used to extract and hold the active constituents of a substance that doesn't vaporize easily. The alcohol dissolves nonvolatile components—such as many plant alkaloids and resins—and preserves them in a liquid form for medicinal use. The abbreviation tinct., or tincture, is the standard term for this preparation.

Syrup is a sugar-containing solution, not focused on extracting nonvolatile constituents. Distilled water is purified water with no dissolved active components. Cream is an emulsion or semi-solid topical preparation, not an alcoholic extract.