Ointment
/ˈɔɪnt.mənt/noun
A smooth substance rubbed on the skin for healing, soothing, or protection.
Did you know?Ointment shares its history with the verb *anoint*, and both ultimately come from Latin *unguere* meaning “to anoint” or “to smear,” a root tied to ritual, medicine, and sacred kingship.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₃engʷ-
“to anoint, smear, or grease”
Latin
Latin
unguere
“to smear or anoint”
Late Latin
Latin
unctamentum
“something used for anointing or smearing”
Old French
Old French
oignement
“an ointment; a salve”
Middle English
English
ointment
“a salve or unguent for the skin”
Modern English
English
ointment
“a topical preparation rubbed on the skin”