Cataplasm

Origin

From Latin cataplasma, from Ancient Greek κατάπλασμα.

Full definition of cataplasm

Noun

1. (medicine) A poultice or plaster, spread over one's skin as medical treatment.
• 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II.5.3.ii:Aretæus prescribes cataplasms of camomile flowers, fennel, aniseeds, cummin, rosemary, wormwood leaves, etc.
• 1837, Thomas Green Fessenden, James Engelbert Teschemacher, Joseph Breck, The Horticultural Register and Gardener's Magazine (volume 3, page 332)For medical purposes, figs are chiefly used in emollient cataplasms, and pectorial decoctions.

Synonyms

• poultice