ointment

What it means

1. countableuncountablemedicineA viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.

   She applied a soothing herbal ointment to her dry skin.

   1 more example

   The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the wound.

2. countableuncountableA substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.

In a sentence

The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the wound.

Where it comes from

1. Proto-Indo-European*h₃engʷ-“to smear, anoint”
2. Latinung(u)ō“I anoint”
3. Old Frenchoignement“an anointing”
4. Middle Englishoinement
5. Englishointment

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”).