First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1salve
noun \ˈsav, ˈsäv, ˈsalv, ˈsälv\
: a creamy substance that you put on a wound to heal it or to make it less painful
Full Definition of SALVE
1
: an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores
2
: a remedial or soothing influence or agency <a salve to their hurt feelings>
See salve defined for English-language learners
See salve defined for kids
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Origin of SALVE
Middle English, from Old English sealf; akin to Old High German salba salve, Greek olpē oil flask
Other Pharmacology Terms
Rhymes with SALVE
2salve
transitive verb
salvedsalv·ing
Definition of SALVE
1
: to remedy (as disease) with or as if with a salve
First Known Use of SALVE
before 12th century
3salve
transitive verb \ˈsalv\
salvedsalv·ing
Definition of SALVE
: salvage
— sal·vor \ˈsal-vər, -ˌvȯr\ noun
Origin of SALVE
back-formation from salvage
First Known Use: circa 1706
SALVE Defined for Kids
1salve
noun \ˈsav, ˈsäv\
Definition of SALVE for Kids
: a healing or soothing ointment
2salve
verb
salvedsalv·ing
Definition of SALVE for Kids
: to quiet or soothe with or as if with a salve
Medical Dictionary
salve
noun \ˈsav, ˈsäv, ˈsȧv, ˈsalv, ˈsälv\
Medical Definition of SALVE
: an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores
Learn More About SALVE
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