cataplasm

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc.

From Latin cataplasma, from Ancient Greek κατάπλασμα (katáplasma).

Nothing for it but patience, cataplasm of camomile, and labour in my own room the whole day till dinner-time--then company and reading in the evening. — The Journal of Sir Walter Scott: From the Original Manuscript at Abbotsford, Walter Scott
On my word of honor, rather than die in bed, of an illness, slowly, a bit by bit each day, with drugs, cataplasms, syringes, medicines, I should prefer to receive a cannon-ball in my belly!” “You’re not over fastidious,” said the soldier. — Les Misérables, Victor Hugo
Still, as the gash was beyond his simple remedy, the Indian cataplasm which should have allayed the fiery feeling which even augmented from the first, Pepillo yielded to his late enemy like a child, with that compliance of the Latin races under mortal injury. — The Treasure of Pearls: A Romance of Adventures in California, Gustave Aimard

poultice, plaster

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