The word "美酒" (měijiǔ) is a classical Chinese compound noun formed through modification, where the first character "美" (beautiful, fine) acts as an adjective to describe and elevate the second character "酒" (wine, liquor), collectively meaning "fine wine" or "exquisite liquor." This structure follows a common pattern in Chinese lexicon where a descriptive element precedes a core noun to specify a particular, often superior, category of the thing itself, thus transforming the generic concept of "酒" into a more refined and esteemed beverage.