English Explanatory Dictionary

ointment

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.
  2. A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.

Pronunciation

/ˈɔɪntm(ə)nt/ [ˈɔ̃ɪ̃(n)ʔ.mɪ̃(n)ʔ] LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-ointment.wav /ˈɔɪn(t)m(ə)nt/

Word forms

ointment ointments oyntment

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.

Synonyms

salve unguent pomatum pomade pomate

Related words

cream inunction liniment unction unctuous unguent

Derived words

blue ointment citrine ointment flying ointment fly in the ointment ointmentlike saracenic ointment Whitfield's ointment
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