UNGUENT

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

unguent (plural unguents)

Any cream containing medicinal ingredients applied to the skin for therapeutic purposes.

Source: Wiktionary


Un"guent, n. Etym: [L. unguentum, from unguere, ungere, to anoint: cf. F. onguent. See Ointment, and cf. Unction, Unctuous.]

Definition: A lubricant or salve for sores, burns, or the like; an ointment. Cowper.

Note: An unguent is stiffer than a liniment, but softer than a cerate.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

29 May 2025

CRITICAL

(adjective) characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; “a critical reading”; “a critical dissertation”; “a critical analysis of Melville’s writings”


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Coffee Trivia

An article published in Harvard Men’s Health Watch in 2012 shows heavy coffee drinkers live longer. The researchers examined data from 400,000 people and found out that men who drank six or more coffee cups per day had a 10% lower death rate.

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