inunction

English

Etymology

From Latin inunctio, from inunctus, past participle of inungo (“anoint”), from in- + ungo (“anoint”)

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ɪnˈʌŋkʃən/

Noun

inunction (plural inunctions)

1. The anointing or rubbing-in of oil or balm.
   • 1621, Robert Burton, The Anatomy of Melancholy, II.5.3.i:

     Besides these fomentations, irrigations, inunctions, odoraments, prescribed for the head, there must be the like used for the liver, spleen, stomach, hyperchondries, etc.

Related terms

• anoint
• ointment
• unguent