ointment

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.

noun

  1. (medicine) 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.

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