salve
Salve (noun) means a soothing or healing ointment applied to the skin. Example: “She rubbed salve into the burn to ease the pain.”
How to use salve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA healing cream, or figuratively, something that eases a bad feeling like guilt.
Word forms
salved past tense, salved past tense, salved past tense, salves plural, salves singular, salves singular, salves singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She rubbed _____ into the burn to ease the pain.
Etymology
From Old English sealf, "ointment," tracing back to a very old root meaning "to smear."
Related words
Rhymes for salve
See all rhymes for salve →Frequently asked questions
What does “salve” mean?
The word “salve” means a soothing or healing ointment applied to the skin. In plain terms, a healing cream, or figuratively, something that eases a bad feeling like guilt.
How do you pronounce “salve”?
“Salve” is pronounced sahv (/sæ(l)v/ in IPA).
How do you use “salve” in a sentence?
Here is “salve” used in a sentence: “She rubbed salve into the burn to ease the pain.”
What part of speech is “salve”?
Depending on how it is used, “salve” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “salve” come from?
The word “salve” comes from Old English. From Old English sealf, "ointment," tracing back to a very old root meaning "to smear.".
How many meanings does “salve” have?
“Salve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soothing or healing ointment applied to the skin.
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