Epithem

//ˈɛpɪθəm// noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    Any external topical application to the body, except ointments and plasters; a poultice, lotion, etc. historical

    "Bruel prescribes an epitheme for the heart, of bugloss, borage, water-lily, violet waters, sweet wine, balm leaves, nutmegs, cloves, etc."

Example

More examples

"Bruel prescribes an epitheme for the heart, of bugloss, borage, water-lily, violet waters, sweet wine, balm leaves, nutmegs, cloves, etc."

Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek ἐπίθεμα (epíthema).

Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.