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liniment

[lin-uh-muh nt]
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noun
  1. a liquid or semiliquid preparation for rubbing on or applying to the skin, as for sprains or bruises, usually soothing or counterirritating.
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Origin of liniment

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin linīmentum ointment, equivalent to linī(re) (for Latin linere to smear) + -mentum -ment
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

balm, salve, unguent, emollient, dressing, medicine, lotion, cream, embrocation, lenitive

Examples from the Web for liniment

Historical Examples

  • Dad took it in silence, and sat rubbing it into his beard like a liniment.

    The Flockmaster of Poison Creek

    George W. Ogden

  • A bottle of liniment was ordered, and Alfred rubbed often with the preparation.

  • "Where's that bottle of liniment I sent here," demanded the doctor.

  • It was a florid testimonial to the virtues of their liniment.

  • Put the liniment on her leg as I told you, and I'll call in the morning.

    "Some Say"

    Laura Elizabeth Howe Richards

British Dictionary definitions for liniment

liniment

noun
  1. a medicated liquid, usually containing alcohol, camphor, and an oil, applied to the skin to relieve pain, stiffness, etc
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Word Origin

C15: from Late Latin linīmentum, from linere to smear, anoint
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for liniment

n.

early 15c., from Late Latin linimentum "a soft ointment," from Latin linire, collateral form of earlier linere "to daub, smear," from PIE root *(s)lei- "slime, slimy, sticky" (see slime (n.)).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
liniment in Medicine

liniment

(lĭn′ə-mənt)
n.
  1. A liquid preparation rubbed into the skin or gums as a counterirritant, rubefacient, anodyne, or cleansing agent.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.