embrocation
|em-bro-ca-tion|
/ɛmbrəˈkeɪʃən/
medicinal rubbing/liniment
Etymology
'embrocation' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'embrocātiō', where the prefix 'em-' (from Latin 'in-') meant 'in' or 'on' and the root 'brocāre' (from Vulgar/Medieval Latin) meant 'to rub' or 'to anoint'.
'embrocation' changed from Medieval Latin 'embrocātiō' (and related Old French forms) and was borrowed into Middle English as 'embrocation', eventually becoming the modern English word 'embrocation'.
Initially it referred specifically to the action of rubbing on a medicinal liquid; over time it has also come to denote the liquid preparation itself as well as the act of applying it.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a liquid or liniment rubbed on the body to relieve pain, soreness, or stiffness; a medicinal rub or ointment.
He applied an embrocation to his aching shoulders before the match.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the act of rubbing or applying such a medicinal preparation to the body (the application or massage itself).
The trainer's embrocation before the race was part of his routine warm-up.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/05 04:39