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Dictionary Language resources

ointment

Pronunciation: /ˈɔɪntm(ə)nt/

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Definition of ointment

noun

[mass noun]

a smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic: he rubbed some ointment on his leg [count noun]:scented ointments for the skin

Origin:

Middle English: alteration of Old French oignement, from a popular Latin form of Latin unguentum (see unguent); influenced by obsolete oint 'anoint' (from Old French, past participle of oindre 'anoint')