Ointment: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’Š
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ointment

 

[ หˆษ”ษชntmษ™nt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical

A smooth oily preparation that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic.

Synonyms

balm, cream, salve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ointment

Use when referring to a greasy or oily substance applied to the skin for medicinal purposes. Typically used for conditions requiring intensive skin treatment.

  • The doctor prescribed an ointment for his eczema.
  • She applied the ointment to her burn to help it heal.
cream

Applicable when mentioning a thick, usually white substance used for cosmetic or medical purposes. Often less greasy than ointment and used for moisturizing or treating skin conditions.

  • She applied a moisturizing cream to her face every night.
  • The dermatologist recommended a cream for her dry skin.
salve

Used when talking about a soothing or healing ointment, often herbal or natural, used for minor injuries, irritations, or burns. It has a traditional or old-fashioned connotation.

  • He made a homemade salve to treat minor cuts and scrapes.
  • The herbal salve worked wonders on her sunburn.
balm

Appropriate for referencing a soothing or healing substance, often with herbal or aromatic qualities. Can be used both for physical and emotional comfort.

  • He used lip balm to prevent his lips from chapping.
  • The aromatic balm helped her relax after a long day.

Examples of usage

  • She applied the ointment to her sunburn.
  • The doctor prescribed an ointment for the rash on my arm.

Translations

Translations of the word "ointment" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pomada

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคฐเคนเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Salbe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ salep

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐะทัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ maล›ฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ปŸ่† (nankou)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pommade

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ungรผento

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท merhem

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์—ฐ๊ณ  (yeongo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑู‡ู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mast

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ masลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฝฏ่† (ruวŽngฤo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mazilo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ smyrsli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒšแƒแƒ›แƒ (malamo)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ maz

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ ungรผento

Etymology

The word 'ointment' originated from the Latin word 'unguentum', which means 'ointment' or 'salve'. Ointments have been used for centuries to treat various skin conditions and promote healing. In ancient times, ointments were made from natural ingredients such as plant extracts, animal fats, and minerals. Today, ointments are produced using a combination of synthetic and natural ingredients to provide effective treatment for a wide range of skin ailments.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,575, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.