English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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Noun

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ointment (countable and uncountable, 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

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Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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Further reading

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  NODES
Note 1