Skip to content
Vinony

ointment

noun

  1. semi-solid preparation for application to the skin or mucous membranes
L253302 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈɔɪntm(ə)nt/ / [ˈɔ̃ɪ̃(n)ʔ.mɪ̃(n)ʔ] / /ˈɔɪn(t)m(ə)nt/

noun

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.

  1. A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.

    “The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the wound.”

    “She applied a soothing herbal ointment to her dry skin.”

  2. A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.