Intended for or understood by only a small group, especially one with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric philosophical doctrine. See Synonyms at mysterious. b. Relating to or being a small group with specialized knowledge or interests: an esoteric circle.
Rubbing alcohol is neither an acid nor a base. Acids have pH values less than 7 and bases have pH values that are greater than 7. Rubbing alcohol has a pH value of 7, so it is neutral. Rubbing alcohol is also called isopropyl alcohol.
Isopropyl alcohol is a propanol, or 3-carbon alcohol with the OH on the middle carbon. It is commonly called rubbing alcohol, and is somewhat poisonous. Doctors use isopropyl alcohol to cleanse/sterilize the skin before hypodermic injection, and it is rubbed on as 'rubbing alcohol'. It can also be used to cool someone by rubbing it on and letting it evaporate. Ethanol is 2-carbon alcohol, and called grain alcohol because it is usually made by fermentation of grains.