Liniment vs. Ointment

Linimentnoun

A topical medical preparation intended to be rubbed into the skin with friction, as for example to relieve symptoms of arthritis.

Ointmentnoun

(medicine) A viscous preparation of oils and/or fats, usually containing medication, used as a treatment or as an emollient.

Linimentverb

(transitive) To apply liniment to.

Ointmentnoun

A substance used to anoint, as in religious rituals.

Linimentnoun

A liquid or semiliquid preparation of a consistence thinner than an ointment, applied to the skin by friction, esp. one used as a sedative or a stimulant.

Ointmentnoun

That which serves to anoint; any soft unctuous substance used for smearing or anointing; an unguent.

Linimentnoun

a medicinal liquid that is rubbed into the skin to relieve muscular stiffness and pain

Ointmentnoun

semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation

Linimentnoun

an embrocation for rubbing on the body to relieve pain, especially one made with oil.

Ointmentnoun

toiletry consisting of any of various substances resembling cream that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin

Liniment

Liniment (from the Latin linere, to anoint), or embrocation, is a medicated topical preparation for application to the skin. Sometimes called a heat rub, liniments may be water-like in viscosity or formulated as a lotion or balm and are usually rubbed in to allow for penetration of the active ingredients.

Ointmentnoun

a smooth oily substance that is rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic

‘scented ointments for the skin’; ‘he rubbed some ointment on his leg’;