Cerate
/ˈsɪərət/noun
A wax-containing ointment or medicinal preparation, traditionally softer than a salve.
Did you know?Ancient wax preparations were used not only medicinally but also to coat, preserve, and seal objects, giving wax a long association with protection and transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“A reconstructed root associated with horn or projecting growth; its relationship to the wax family is proposed rather than certain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kēros
“Wax; a substance used for coating, modeling, and sealing.”
Classical Latin
Latin
cēra
“Wax.”
Classical Latin
Latin
cerātum
“A waxed preparation or medicinal compound made with wax.”
Middle English
English
cerat
“A medicinal ointment or wax-based preparation.”
Modern English
English
cerate
“A wax-containing ointment or pharmaceutical preparation.”