Ointment Meaning
/ˈɔɪntm(ə)nt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.
nounA substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.
Sentence Examples
I need a rash ointment.
I need anti-itch ointment.
She put some of the ointment on her hands.
CEFR Practice Quiz
To treat the itchy rash, the dermatologist recommended applying a medicated ____ twice daily.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The doctor prescribed a medicated ____ to apply to the infected wound twice a day.
Word Origin & History
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.
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
To treat the itchy rash, the dermatologist recommended applying a medicated ____ twice daily.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The doctor prescribed a medicated ____ to apply to the infected wound twice a day.