fomentation

[ foh-men-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. encouragement of discord, rebellion, etc.; instigation.
2. the application of warm liquid, ointments, etc., to the surface of the body.
3. the liquid, ointments, etc., so applied.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fomentation¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin fōmentātiōn- (stem of fōmentātiō ), equivalent to fōmentāt ( us ) (past participle of fōmentāre to foment ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

A warm bath, or fomentation with warm water and Laudanum, will assist, and sometimes relieve alone.

From Project Gutenberg

I only wish I were that chap in the mythology with a hundred hands—and every blessed one of them in need of fomentation.

From Project Gutenberg

In India they make a decoction of the plant, mix it with onion juice and apply it to the head as a fomentation in hemicrania.

From Project Gutenberg

Warmth applied externally to the stomach by hot cloths or fomentation.

From Project Gutenberg

Another fomentation, a visit from the doctor, who put us all on stout, and dinner was up.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking