unguent
/ˈʌŋɡwənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈʌŋɡwənt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈəŋ-gwənt How to pronounce unguent (audio) ˈən-; ˈən-jənt How to pronounce unguent (audio)/ (ame, mw)
unguent — noun
- unguentsingular
- unguentsplural
1. a thick, oily preparation that you put on your skin to heal cuts, ease soreness,
a thick, oily preparation that you put on your skin to heal cuts, ease soreness, or soften rough patches — used more often in formal, historical, or literary contexts than in daily conversation.
The nurse spread a cooling unguent on Kofi's sunburnt shoulders and told him to avoid the sun.
collocation: cooling unguent / apply unguent to + body part
Amara bought an herbal unguent to stop the itching from mosquito bites.
collocation: herbal unguent
In the old story, the healer prepared a sweet-smelling unguent and rubbed it on the warrior's wound.
After each training session, Yael massaged a soothing unguent into her aching knees.
- ointment
the everyday word for the same thing; 'unguent' is more literary
- salve
often used for a soothing or healing preparation, especially for burns or sores; carries a slightly old-fashioned or poetic feel
- balm
suggests a gentle, soothing substance, often with a pleasant scent; also used metaphorically ('the balm of friendship')
文法句型
apply + unguent + to + [body part]
unguent + for + [skin condition]
用法筆記
In modern everyday English, 'ointment' is the usual word. 'Unguent' sounds formal or old-fashioned and is more likely to appear in historical fiction, fantasy novels, or formal writing about traditional medicine.