ointment Definition
oint·ment (o̵int′mənt)
noun
a fatty substance applied to the skin for healing or cosmetic purposes; salve; unguent
Etymology: ME oignement < OFr < VL *unguimentum, for L unguentum (see unguent): the -t- in Eng from assoc. with obs. v. oint, to anoint
ointment Synonyms
ointment Usage Examples
Converse of object
- emulsify: Products such as aqueous cream and emulsifying ointment can be used as soap substitutes for hand washing or when bathing.
- rub: Patients are directed to rub the ointment into the affected areas, avoiding open wounds.
- pour: In pouring this ointment on my body she has done it to prepare me for burial.
- prescribe: Otherwise use creams or ointments already prescribed by the doctor.
- apply: Wishing to hasten a cure, he applied the ointment at double strength.
- put: Unfortunately the only treatment is to put ointment in her eyes on a daily basis.
Preposition: at
night: Make sure you're using eye drops during the day and an ointment at night.
Adjective modifier
- protopic: The use of Protopic ointment under occlusion has not been studied in patients.
- antibiotic: At the very least a supply of antibiotic ointment should be ensured.
- topical: Topical steroid ointments would now be used for these conditions, but were not available.
- precious: At the East end of the church is a recumbent statue of Mary Magdalene with her pot of precious ointment by her side.
- antiseptic: When removed, apply antiseptic ointment or powder but monitor daily for contamination or insect infestation.
Modifies a noun
base: It comes in the form of a bag of wax flakes, which can be dissolved in warm water to make the ointment base.
Noun used with modifier
- tacrolimus: Unlike strong topical steroids, studies have shown that tacrolimus ointment does not cause skin atrophy 5, 6.
- tetracycline: Tetracycline eye ointment used twice a day for six weeks, gets rid of the infection.
- Anusol: Anusol Ointment is marketed by Warner Lambert Healthcare, a division of Parke, Davis & Company.
- hydrocortisone: The usual treatment is with emollients and hydrocortisone ointment if the condition is severe.
- steroid: Topical steroid ointments would now be used for these conditions, but were not available.
- healing: You can cast sleep, slow and blast spells, teleport up and down or apply healing ointments to your inevitably numerous wounds.
Preposition: for
treatment: Extracts are obtained from roots and flowers and are used externally in creams and ointments for treatment of sprains and bruises.

