Meaning & use
unguents
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“unguents” is a form of “unguent”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounpluralformalliterary
Plural of unguent: soft, oily preparations spread on the skin to soothe, heal or perfume it.
Grammar: Plural of unguent; takes a plural verb: the unguents were fragrant.
Patterns
- unguents for something
The healer mixed herbs into unguents for burns.
Ancient Egyptians used scented unguents after bathing.
The museum displays tiny jars that once held unguents.
Common combinations
- soothing unguents
- She applied soothing unguents to the sunburn.
- fragrant unguents
- Fragrant unguents filled the small glass bottles.
- herbal unguents
- Herbal unguents were sold at the village market.
- unguents and oils
- The tomb held unguents and oils.
- apply unguents
- Nurses applied unguents to the wounds.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ointments
- Ointments is the ordinary word and is mainly medical, while unguents sounds more literary or historical.
- salves
- Salves emphasizes soothing or healing and is common in folk remedies.
- balms
- Balms often suggests a fragrant, comforting preparation and is also used figuratively.
- creams
- Creams are lighter, water-based and everyday, whereas unguents are thicker and oily.
Word family
Commonly confused: unguents or ungulates?
unguents vs ungulates
Ungulates are hoofed animals such as horses and deer; unguents are ointments.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'unguents' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Unguents are plural ointments, so storing them in jars makes sense. The other options treat the word as animals, a verb or a singular noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unguents”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.