unguent

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

Etymology

From Latin unguentum (“ointment”), from unguō (“to smear with ointment”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃engʷ- (“to salve, anoint”). Cognates include Old Prussian anctan, Old High German ancho (German Anke (“butter”)), Welsh ymenyn (“butter”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

ointment, unction, balm, salve

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