ointment — a smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin to heal or protect it
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin to heal or protect it
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɔɪntmənt/
Example Sentences
- The magical ointment made his wrinkles disappear, but unfortunately it also made his eyebrows vanish!
- The doctor prescribed a special ointment for the rash.
- My grandmother's homemade ointment smells terrible but works like magic.
ointment
NOUN[/ˈɔɪntmənt/]
a smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin to heal or protect it

She rubs ointment on her son's scraped knee after he fell off his bike.

The pharmacist recommended an ointment to soothe the irritated skin. (Think of: ointment → "ointment = oil + treatment")

She brought the ointment to her appointment, avoiding disappointment when her skin needed treatment.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'unguentum' meaning 'greasy substance' or 'salve', which passed through Old French 'oignement' before entering English. Ancient peoples have long mixed oils and herbs to create healing balms for wounds.
Breakdown
oint- (from Latin unguere meaning 'to anoint/smear') + -ment (noun suffix indicating result or product)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The magical ointment made his wrinkles disappear, but unfortunately it also made his eyebrows vanish!”
“The doctor prescribed a special ointment for the rash.”
“My grandmother's homemade ointment smells terrible but works like magic.”
“Keep the ointment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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