ointment

English

Alternative forms

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.

Pronunciation

Noun

ointment (plural ointments)

  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.

Synonyms

Derived terms
English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃engʷ-‎ (0 c, 9 e)

Translations

See also

Further reading
  • ointment in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • ointment in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911
  • ointment at OneLook Dictionary Search
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