ointment

(oynt′mĕnt )

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[Fr. oignement ]
A viscous, semisolid vehicle used to apply medicines to the skin. Ointments differ from creams or lotions in their superior ability to occlude the skin and improve the uptake of drugs. The base or vehicle of an ointment typically includes petrolatum, fats, oils, resins, or water-based or water-soluble compounds.
SYN: SEE: salve; SEE: unguent

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