Unguent

From Latin unguentum ("ointment"), from unguÅ ("I smear with ointment"), from Proto-Indo-European *ongw- ("to salve").

Cognates include Old Prussian anctan, Old High German ancho (German anke ("butter")), Welsh ymenyn ("butter").

Full definition of unguent

(plural unguents)

Any cream containing medicinal ingredients applied to the skin for therapeutic purposes.

1809-1812 â€” William Combe, Tour of Doctor Syntax in Search of the Picturesque"Alas!" said Syntax, "could I pop
Just now, upon a blacksmith's shop,
Whose cooling unguents would avail
To save poor Grizzle's ears and tail!"
1853 â€” Nathaniel Hawthorne, So she put a golden box into his hand, and directed him how to apply the perfumed unguent which it contained, and where to meet her at midnight.
1890 â€” Arthur Conan Doyle, Thou knowest of old that my temper is somewhat choleric, and my tongue not greased with that unguent which oils the mouths of the lip-serving lords of the land.