salves
|salve|
/sælvz/
(salve)
healing ointment
Etymology
'salve' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'sealf', where 'sealf' meant 'ointment'.
'salve' changed from Old English 'sealf' into Middle English 'salve' and eventually became the modern English word 'salve'.
Initially, it meant 'ointment' (a substance applied to heal or soothe the skin), but over time it also evolved to include the figurative meaning 'something that soothes or consoles'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'salve': an ointment used to promote healing of skin or to soothe irritation.
She packed several salves for the hiking trip to treat blisters and cuts.
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Noun 2
plural of 'salve': something that soothes, comforts, or consoles emotionally (figurative use).
The letters from friends acted as salves for their worries after the bad news.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'salve': to apply a salve (anoint) to a wound or sore.
Every morning she salves the small cut on her hand to keep it from drying out.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present form of 'salve': to soothe or ease (pain, guilt, worry) emotionally or morally.
He salves his conscience with small charitable acts after the mistake.
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Last updated: 2025/12/21 09:37