Demulcent

//dɪˈmʌls(ə)nt// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Soothing or softening. also, figuratively

    "In continual hectic Heats, and if the ſweet Juices, by a continued ſlow Fever, acquire a ſaltiſh alcaline Acrimony, Cream and new Butter, on Account of their demulcent Qualities, are found to produce excellent Effects."

Adjective
  1. 1
    having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin wordnet
Noun
  1. 1
    A soothing medication used to relieve pain in inflamed tissues.

    "Indians of the West Coast used preparations of prickly-pear to treat wounds, burns, contusions, warts, and even to facilitate childbirth. Modern herbalists recognize the plant's slippery-oily juice as a useful emollient and demulcent, which may be used externally to soothe dry, irritated skin or internally as a diuretic or anti-inflammatory agent for the digestive and urinary tracts."

  2. 2
    a medication (in the form of an oil or salve etc.) that soothes inflamed or injured skin wordnet

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Latin dēmulcēns, present active participle of dēmulceō (“to stroke caressingly; to soften, soothe, allure”), from dē- (“from; of”) + mulceō (“to move or touch gently or lightly, to stroke; to make pleasant or sweet; to soften, soothe, alleviate, relieve”).

Etymology 2

From Latin dēmulcēns, present active participle of dēmulceō (“to stroke caressingly; to soften, soothe, allure”), from dē- (“from; of”) + mulceō (“to move or touch gently or lightly, to stroke; to make pleasant or sweet; to soften, soothe, alleviate, relieve”).

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