ointment

Pronunciation: /ˈɔɪn(t)m(ə)nt/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
  2. noun toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin

Etymology

A later form (as if oint + -ment) of Middle English oinement, borrowed from Old French oignement (“an anointing”), from oigner, oindre, ongier (“to anoint”), from Latin ung(u)ō (“I anoint”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃engʷ- (“to smear, anoint”). Partly displaced native Old English sealf, whence modern salve.

In classic literature

Synonyms

unction, unguent, balm, salve

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
remedy
Narrower (hyponyms)
baby oil, chrism, mentholated salve, zinc ointment, carron oil, balsam

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