Salve
/sælve/noun
A soothing balm or ointment used to promote healing.
Did you know?In ancient texts, salves were often imbued with magical properties, believed to not just heal the body but also ward off evil spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*solw-
“to soothe, to save”
Latin
Latin
salveo
“to be well, to be in good health”
Old French
Old French
salve
“a healing ointment or balm”
Middle English
Middle English
salve
“a balm for healing wounds”
Modern English
English
salve
“a soothing substance applied to wounds or skin”