ointment

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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.

2. 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

3. 3
   noun

   semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

4. 4
   noun

   A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.

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.