Treacle

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈtɹiː.kÉ™l/
• Rhymes: -iːkÉ™l

Origin

From Old French triacle, from Late Latin *triaca, late form of theriaca, from Ancient Greek θηριακή (thēriakē, "antidote"), feminine form of θηριακός (thēriakos, "concerning venomous beasts"), from θήρ (thēr, "beast"). Compare theriac, theriacle.

Noun

1. (obsolete) An antidote for poison; theriac.
2. (chiefly British) A syrupy byproduct of sugar refining; molasses or golden syrup.
3. Cloying sentimental speech.
• 2012, July 22, Frank Rich, Mayberry R.I.P.The public tributes to Griffith were over-the-top in a way his acting never was, spreading treacle from the evening newscasts to the front page of the New York Times.

Derived terms

• treacle paper
• treacle tart
• treacly

Anagrams

• Electra