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

Prior to his admission he had been bitten on the calf of one leg by a dog, and complaining of pain from this wound, we dressed it with a simple boracic fomentation.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the horses was sick, and I was down there giving him hot fomentations with my mate.

From Project Gutenberg

He also says that warm fomentations are to be preferred to cold in aged and infirm persons of feeble circulation.

From Project Gutenberg

The whisky had revived him, his pulse was better, the fomentation had relieved the pain, and when it was reapplied he had uttered the word "good."

From Project Gutenberg

I now set to work to cure myself, which by use of hot fomentations and lint dipped in θ tincture of Belladonna externally, taking at the same time 3d dil.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bath
• bathing
• laundry
• soaking