liniment

[ lin-uh-muhnt ]

noun

1. a liquid or semiliquid preparation for rubbing on or applying to the skin, as for sprains or bruises, usually soothing or counterirritating.

liniment

/ ˈlɪnɪmənt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of liniment¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin linīmentum ointment, equivalent to linī ( re ) (for Latin linere to smear) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of liniment¹

C15: from Late Latin linīmentum, from linere to smear, anoint

Example Sentences

These revivals will be greeted with much good will, though what they might need is liniment.

From New York Times

“What else do you do, when you’re not making screechers?” asked Birdie, who was busy preparing a liniment rub for her rheumatism.

From Literature

It smelled of mint and liniment and unwashed body with another odor that Ophie couldn’t quite place but wasn’t at all good.

From Literature

The second night, I applied a liberal dose of white liniment—Uncle Holt’s own concoction of hartshorn, arnica, witch hazel, camphor gum, eggs, and cider vinegar.

From Literature

Neither does the strong waft of liniment come out of the changing rooms if you happen to be standing close enough.

From BBC