unguent

noun

un·​guent ˈəŋ-gwənt How to pronounce unguent (audio)
ˈən-;
ˈən-jənt How to pronounce unguent (audio)
Synonyms of unguentnext
: a soothing or healing salve : ointment

Examples of unguent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Embalmers had different recipes for preparing and preserving bodies depending on the era; the budget; the level of nobility and gender of the deceased; and the availability of ingredients such as plant resins, oils and other unguents that could preserve and perfume the remains. — Sarah Everts, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025 The first was molecules from embalming ingredients such as oils, waxes and unguents. — Sarah Everts, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin unguentum — more at ointment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unguent was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

unguarded
unguent
unguentarium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unguent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unguent. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

unguent

noun
un·​guent ˈəŋ-gwənt How to pronounce unguent (audio) ˈən- How to pronounce unguent (audio)
ˈən-jənt
: a soothing or healing salve : ointment

Medical Definition

unguent

noun
un·​guent
ˈəŋ-gwənt also ˈən-jənt
: a soothing or healing salve : ointment

More from Merriam-Webster on unguent

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