inunction

[ in-uhngk-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of anointing.
2. Medicine/Medical. the rubbing in of an oil or ointment.
3. Pharmacology. an unguent.

inunction

/ ɪnˈʌŋkʃən /

noun

1. the application of an ointment to the skin, esp by rubbing
2. the ointment so used
3. the act of anointing; anointment

Word History and Origins

Origin of inunction¹

1595–1605; < Latin inunction- (stem of inunctiō ), equivalent to inunct ( us ) (past participle of inunguere to anoint ) + -iōn- -ion. See in- ², unction

Word History and Origins

Origin of inunction¹

C15: from Latin inunguere to anoint, from unguere; see unction

Example Sentences

If badly swollen, they should be bathed, before inunction, with a decoction of elder-bark and other emollients.

From Project Gutenberg

In India it is used by inunction in rheumatism and in the Philippines locally over the stomach in indigestion and colic.

From Project Gutenberg

She happened to be undergoing a course of mercurial inunction at the same time as she was troubled with a corn.

From Project Gutenberg

After the wound has healed, mercurial inunction over the spine is employed to hasten the absorption of inflammatory products.

From Project Gutenberg

There is much greater difficulty with the skin, as inunction cannot be so well performed.

From Project Gutenberg