methylated spirits / driving force
Loading your saved state.
methylated spirits
A form of high-proof alcohol (ethanol) that has been made undrinkable through additives and is used as fuel, a solvent, or a cleaning agent.
Wir brauchen noch eine Flasche Spiritus für den Campingkocher.
We still need a bottle of methylated spirits for the camping stove.
driving force
In a figurative sense, the intellectual originator, driving force, or leading mind behind an idea, enterprise, or movement. Often used in the expression 'Spiritus Rector'.
Sie galt als der Spiritus Rector der neuen Verfassung.
She was considered the driving force behind the new constitution.
The word comes from the Latin 'spiritus' (spirit, breath). This origin explains both meanings: the volatile 'spirit' of the alcohol and the driving 'spirit' behind an idea.
Der Spiritus in der offenen Flasche verdunstet sehr schnell.
The methylated spirits in the open bottle evaporate very quickly.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about fuel, cleaning, or chemistry, it refers to the alcohol. If it is about people as a driving force, the figurative meaning is intended.
Kannst du mir den Spiritus zum Putzen geben?
Can you give me the methylated spirits for cleaning?
In the meaning of fuel or cleaning agent, 'Spiritus' (methylated spirits) is often connected with a purpose, e.g. 'Spiritus zum Anzünden' (methylated spirits for lighting), 'für den Fondue-Brenner' (for the fondue burner), or 'zum Fensterputzen' (for cleaning windows).
Im Baumarkt finden Sie Spiritus in der Abteilung für Farben und Lacke.
In the hardware store, you can find methylated spirits in the paints and varnishes section.
The figurative meaning is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'der Spiritus Rector'. It refers to the person who is the intellectual originator or driving force behind something.
Der alte Professor galt als der Spiritus Rector der philosophischen Fakultät.
The old professor was considered the driving force of the philosophy faculty.
head
Kopf can generally refer to a leading person behind an idea or group. In this sense, Spiritus is used mainly in the elevated fixed expression “Spiritus Rector” and emphasizes the intellectual originator or driving force.
Maria gilt als Spiritus Rector des neuen Kulturprojekts.
Maria is regarded as the Spiritus Rector of the new cultural project.
Maria ist der führende Kopf hinter dem neuen Kulturprojekt.
Maria is the leading mind behind the new cultural project.
