ointment
/ˈɔɪn(t)m(ə)nt/
UK: [ˈɔ̃ɪ̃(n)ʔ.mɪ̃(n)ʔ]
ointment
English
Noun Top 15,461
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Definition
A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.
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.
Example Sentences
- "The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the wound."
- "She applied a soothing herbal ointment to her dry skin."
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