ointment

Where does the word "ointment" come from? It comes from Latin unguentum, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Ointment’s story begins in Latin: unguentum meant “ointment.” From 'unguere', to anoint. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as oignement. The 't' was added in English from 'anoint'. It reached English by 1300s as ointment. 'a fly in the ointment' comes from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 10:1. Today, ointment means a smooth substance rubbed on the skin.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient unguentum "ointment", from 'unguere', to anoint.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval oignement "anointing oil", the 't' was added in English from 'anoint'.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s ointment "a healing salve", 'a fly in the ointment' comes from the Bible, Ecclesiastes 10:1.