ointment
gb/ˈɔɪntmənt/ us/ˈɔɪntmənt/
B2
English
kenőcs, védőkenőcs
NOUN
B2
1
kenőcs
B1
Usage pattern:
[apply/use] ointment (to/for) [a skin problem/body part]
The doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment for the cut.
Az orvos antibiotikumos kenőcsöt írt fel a vágásra.
Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected area twice a day.
Naponta kétszer vigyen fel vékony rétegben kenőcsöt az érintett területre.
This ointment helps relieve itching from insect bites.
Learner examples
I put ointment on my dry hands.
Kenőcsöt kentem a száraz kezemre.
Use this ointment for the rash.
Ezt a kenőcsöt használd a kiütésre.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse ointment with cream or lotion; ointment is usually thicker and oilier.
Meaning
medicated cream for the skin
Collocations
apply ointment
|use ointment
|a medicated ointment
|an antibiotic ointment
|a steroid ointment
|a soothing ointment
|skin ointment
|eye ointment
|ointment for eczema
|ointment for a rash
Synonyms
salve (Often used for a healing ointment, sometimes slightly old-fashioned.)
|
topical cream (Similar use, but creams are usually lighter and less oily than ointments.)
|
balm (Often soothing; common for lips or minor aches.)
Themes
health
|medicine
|body_care
Definition
A thick medicine you put on your skin.
A smooth, thick substance, often containing medicine, that you rub onto skin to treat dryness, irritation, infection, or minor injuries.
NOUN
C1
2
védőkenőcs
B2
kenőcs
B1
Usage pattern:
[rub/apply] ointment (on/to) [skin/body part]
She rubbed a scented ointment on her hands to keep them from cracking in winter.
Illatos kenőcsöt kent a kezére, hogy télen ne repedezzen ki a bőre.
The runner used a protective ointment to prevent chafing.
A futó védőkenőcsöt használt, hogy megelőzze a kidörzsölődést.
He warmed the ointment between his fingers before applying it.
Learner examples
This ointment is very oily.
Ez a kenőcs nagyon zsíros.
He rubbed ointment on his elbows.
Kenőcsöt kent a könyökére.
Common mistake:
In everyday contexts, many products are called creams or lotions; ointment often suggests a heavier, greasier texture.
Meaning
greasy substance used for rubbing
Collocations
a protective ointment
|a herbal ointment
|a soothing ointment
|ointment base
|rub in ointment
|apply ointment generously
Synonyms
balm (Common for soothing or protective rubbing, especially for lips or skin.)
|
unguent (Rare in everyday English; more technical or formal.)
Themes
body_care
|daily_life
Definition
A thick oily substance you rub on skin.
A thick, oily substance that is rubbed onto the skin for protection, lubrication, or comfort, not necessarily containing medicine.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ointment
IPA
GB/ˈɔɪntmənt/
US/ˈɔɪntmənt/
Syllables & stress
oint - ment (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (oint)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: ointment
- Plural: ointment, ointments
Word family
Expressions
a fly in the ointment
1/ə flˈaɪ ˈɪn ðə ˈɔɪntmənt/
idiom
small problem spoils something
A small problem that ruins a good plan.
Examples
- The deal looked perfect, but the delivery date was a fly in the ointment.
- Everything about the trip was great; the only fly in the ointment was the rain.
- There’s one fly in the ointment: we don’t have enough staff to finish on time.
Learner examples
- The cost is a fly in the ointment.
- Only one thing was a fly in the ointment.