liniment
UK[ˈlɪnɪmənt]US[ˈlɪnɪmənt]
n
a liquid or lotion, especially one made with oil, for rubbing on the body to relieve pain from stiff muscles or bruises.
Etymology
the word 'liniment' entered english in the late 14th century from the latin term 'linimentum', meaning 'a smearing' or 'ointment'. this latin word derives from the verb 'linire', which means 'to smear' or 'to anoint'. the semantic journey is direct and practical: from the general act of smearing to the specific medical application of a soothing, smearable liquid for muscular pain, retaining its core association with a substance applied by rubbing.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. it does not contain separable morphemes in its modern english form.
Examples
the athlete applied a cooling liniment to his sore shoulder after the game.
this herbal liniment is made from camphor and wintergreen oil for topical pain relief.
old-fashioned medicine cabinets often contained a bottle of liniment for aches and sprains.