rubefacient

[ roo-buh-fey-shuhnt ]

adjective

1. causing redness of the skin, as a medicinal application.

noun

1. Medicine/Medical. a rubefacient application, as a mustard plaster.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rubefacient¹

1795–1805; < Latin rubefacient- (stem of rubefaciēns, present participle of rubefacere “to redden”), equivalent to rube-, variant stem of rubēre “to redden, be red” + -facient- -facient ( def )

Example Sentences

At the same time rubefacient embrocations may be applied to the abdomen, which should also be compressed slightly with a broad flannel bandage.

From Project Gutenberg

Externally applied as a rubefacient, it has been found to relieve headache and toothache.

From Project Gutenberg

A milder degree of skin-stimulation is represented by rubefacient liniments of various kinds, which may be briskly rubbed into the skin along the track of the painful nerve, without any danger of producing vesication.

From Project Gutenberg

If the circulation slackens, if the skin turns cold, take a piece of wool, coat it with rubefacient liniment, and rub the animal therewith, more particularly along the spine.

From Project Gutenberg

Externally chloroform is an antiseptic, a local anaesthetic if allowed to evaporate, and a rubefacient, causing the vessels of the skin to dilate, if rubbed in.

From Project Gutenberg