Etymology

Slavic voda, woda, meaning water, plus the diminutive suffix -ka. Historical documentary research of V. Pokhlyobkin suggests the derivation via the usage "dilution (of distillate) with water", as used in expressions "vodka of grain wine" and similar; grain wine (хлебное вино) is an archaic Russian name for vodka.

Noun

1. A clear distilled alcoholic liquor made from grain mash.
2. A serving of the above beverage.