ointment
C1Formal, Medical
Definition
Meaning
A smooth, thick, oily preparation applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes.
Something that soothes or heals a difficult situation (often figurative: 'a fly in the ointment').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Specifically denotes a semi-solid preparation, distinct from creams (lighter, more water-based) or gels (clear, jelly-like). Often contains medicinal ingredients.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term identically in medical and everyday contexts.
Connotations
Neutral/medical in both varieties. The figurative idiom 'a fly in the ointment' is equally common.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to historical preference for 'ointment' over 'salve' in common parlance, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
apply ointment to [body part]ointment for [condition]ointment containing [ingredient]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a fly in the ointment”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceuticals (e.g., 'ointment production line').
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, and dermatological texts.
Everyday
Common when discussing first aid, minor injuries, or skin treatments.
Technical
Standard term in pharmacology for a specific type of semi-solid dosage form.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Put some ointment on that cut.
- The doctor gave me an ointment for my rash.
- This antiseptic ointment will help prevent infection.
- Remember to apply the ointment twice a day.
- The pharmacist recommended a corticosteroid ointment for the severe eczema.
- Despite the promising news, there remained a fly in the ointment regarding the funding.
- The formulation of the ointment ensures sustained release of the active ingredient over twelve hours.
- His apology acted as a soothing ointment on their strained relationship.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'OINT' sounds like 'oint' in 'join' – you join (apply) the medicine to your skin. Or: 'An OILY APPOINTMENT for your skin' -> OINTMENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALING IS APPLYING A SUBSTANCE / A SOLUTION IS A SALVE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'мазь' for all contexts; 'cream' is 'крем', 'gel' is 'гель'. 'Ointment' specifically implies a greasier, oil-based мазь.
- Do not confuse with 'ointment' and 'oil' (масло).
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing the 't' in 'ointment' too strongly (it's a glottal stop or soft /t/ in fluent speech).
- Using 'ointment' to refer to any cream or lotion (it is a specific, oil-based type).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of an 'ointment' compared to a 'lotion'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Ointments are oil-based and greasy, forming a protective barrier. Creams are water-based or have a mix of water and oil, are less greasy, and are absorbed more quickly.
No, 'ointment' is exclusively a noun. The related action is 'to anoint', which is a different, though etymologically related, word.
It refers to a minor drawback or annoyance that spoils an otherwise positive situation.
In modern usage, they are often interchangeable. Historically, 'salve' could be softer, but in pharmacy, 'ointment' is the precise technical term for an oleaginous semi-solid.