ointment

Everyday

1. A smooth, greasy cream rubbed on the skin to heal cuts, burns, rashes or sore places. tree →
2. (Bible, church) Oil or perfumed oil used for anointing, as in the Bible story where a woman pours precious ointment on Jesus's head. tree →

In the lessons

In health and first-aid lessons: put antiseptic ointment on a clean cut. Safety: only use medicine an adult gives you. Idiom: «a fly in the ointment» means one small thing that spoils something good.

Examples

• Mum put some ointment on my grazed knee. tree →
• The doctor gave me an ointment for the rash. tree →
• Rub the ointment in gently. tree →
• The only fly in the ointment was the rain. tree →
• In the Bible a woman poured precious ointment on Jesus. tree →
• Keep the ointment out of your eyes. tree →
• But then this wonderful ointment could not be bought at a chemist's. tree →

Note

Can be countable (different ointments) or uncountable (some ointment). Similar: cream, salve, balm, lotion (thinner).

In Jewish tradition

The holy anointing oil was made by a special recipe and used to set apart the Tabernacle, its tools, priests and kings. In Proverbs and Song of Songs, fragrant ointment stands for joy and love.

Interpretation. Tradition says the holy oil was made once by Moses and was kept for sacred use only. A "good name" is likened to fine ointment.

Examples

• Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. (Writings PRO.27.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• He that would hide her hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand betrayeth itself. (Writings PRO.27.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thine ointments have a goodly fragrance; thy name is as ointment poured forth; therefore do the maidens love thee. (Writings SNG.1.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Can be countable (different ointments) or uncountable (some ointment). Similar: cream, salve, balm, lotion (thinner).