ointment

The story

1. Proto-Indo-European · derived from*h₃engʷ-“to smear, anoint”
2. Latin · derived fromung(u)ō“I anoint”
3. Old French · derived fromoignement“an anointing”
4. Middle English · inherited fromoinement
5. English todayointment

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. Displaced native Old English smireness (“ointment, oil”).

Words from the same roots