poultice
UK[ˈpəʊltɪs]US[ˈpoʊltɪs]
n
a soft, moist mass of material, typically consisting of bran, flour, herbs, or similar substances, applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation.
Etymology
the word "poultice" originates from the latin "puls, pultis," which referred to a thick porridge or pap. this term passed into late latin as "pultes" (plural), and then into old french as "polte," meaning a porridge or pulp. the english word emerged in the late 16th century, directly applying the concept of a soft, moist, porridge-like substance to a medicinal application for the skin. the semantic logic is clear: the modern medical poultice retains the essential physical qualities—soft, moist, and spreadable—of its ancient culinary namesake.
Analysis
the entire word "poultice" functions as a simplex unit in modern english. it is derived from the latin word "puls" (meaning "porridge" or "pap") via the old french "polte."
Examples
she applied a warm bread poultice to the boil to draw out the infection.
a traditional mustard poultice can be effective for chest congestion.
the veterinarian recommended a poultice for the horse's swollen leg.