OINTMENT

cream, ointment, emollient

(noun) toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin

ointment, unction, unguent, balm, salve

(noun) semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

ointment (plural ointments)

(medicine) A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.

A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.

Synonyms

• salve

• unguent

Source: Wiktionary

Oint"ment, n. Etym: [OE. oinement, OF. oignement, fr.F. oindre to anoint, L. ungere, unguere; akin to Skr. a, and to G. anke (in Switzerland) butter. The first t in the E. word is due to the influence of anoint. Cf. Anoint, Unguent.]

Definition: That which serves to anoint; any soft unctuous substance used for smearing or anointing; an unguent.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition