ointment Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
    unction; balm; salve; unguent.
  2. noun toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
    emollient; cream.

WordNet

Oint"ment noun
Etymology
OE. oinement, OF. oignement, fr.F. oindre to anoint, L. ungere, unguere; akin to Skr. aj, and to G. anke (in Switzerland) butter. The first t in the E. word is due to the influence of anoint. Cf. Anoint, Unguent.
Definitions
  1. That which serves to anoint; any soft unctuous substance used for smearing or anointing; an unguent.

Webster 1913