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Meaning & use

ointment

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈɔɪntmənt/
US/ˈɔɪntmənt/

Meaning

  1. nouncountable or uncountable

    a smooth, greasy substance that you rub on your skin to heal it or stop it from hurting

    Grammar: Can be countable (an ointment) or uncountable (some ointment); plural ointments is used for different types.

    Patterns

    • apply ointment to something
    • a tube of ointment
    • ointment for something

    The doctor gave me an ointment for the rash on my arm.

    Apply the ointment to the affected area twice a day.

    She bought a tube of ointment to soothe her dry lips.

Word forms

pluralointments

Common combinations

apply ointment
Apply the ointment gently with clean fingers.
a tube of ointment
He kept a tube of ointment in his pocket.
ointment for a rash
This ointment for a rash works quickly.
soothe with ointment
She soothed the burn with ointment.

Synonyms and how they differ

cream
A cream is lighter and less greasy than an ointment, and is often used for cosmetic purposes.
lotion
A lotion is thinner and more liquid than an ointment, and is usually poured or pumped.
salve
Salve is similar to ointment but often suggests a traditional or herbal preparation.

Practice

The doctor told me to ___ the ointment to the rash three times a day.

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