old ointment crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "old ointment crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "old ointment crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BALM: A fragrant, resinous substance used for healing or soothing, often having a pleasant smell and sometimes applied as an ointment.
5 Letters
SALVE: A historical term for a healing or soothing ointment, typically applied to wounds or sores for protection or relief.
7 Letters
UNGUENT: An archaic and formal term for a soft, greasy or viscous substance, typically used as a medicinal or cosmetic ointment for external application.
More About "old ointment crossword"
"Old ointment" as a crossword clue frequently points to words that describe historical or less common forms of topical medications. These terms, such as 'salve,' 'unguent,' or 'balm,' evoke a sense of tradition and often appear in literature or historical texts. Understanding their meanings helps not only in solving crosswords but also in appreciating the rich vocabulary of English.
While modern medicine uses more precise terms like 'cream' or 'lotion,' crosswords delight in reaching back to these older words, which often carry specific connotations of soothing, healing, or anointing. These clues test a solver's general knowledge and their familiarity with a broader range of vocabulary, going beyond everyday language.
When you encounter such a clue, think about words that sound slightly archaic or have roots in older medical practices. Considering the number of letters required is always the first step, then matching that to historical synonyms for 'ointment' will usually lead you to the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Historically: For clues like "old ointment," consider words with a historical or archaic feel. Many crosswords love to use terms that are less common in modern speech.
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the possible answers to the required number of letters in the grid. This is your most powerful filter.
- Consider Synonyms and Near-Synonyms: Even if a word isn't a perfect synonym, it might fit the context. Words like 'balm,' 'salve,' 'unguent,' 'liniment,' or 'poultice' all relate to topical applications.
- Use Cross-References: If you have a few letters from intersecting words, use them to narrow down your options for the "old ointment" clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an 'old ointment' in a crossword context?
In crosswords, an 'old ointment' typically refers to traditional or archaic terms for medicinal or healing preparations. Common answers include SALVE, UNGUENT, and BALM, which were used centuries ago for their soothing or curative properties.
Why do crosswords often use archaic terms like 'unguent' or 'salve'?
Crossword puzzles often incorporate archaic or less common words to increase the challenge and expand solvers' vocabulary. These words provide a rich pool of synonyms and add a classical or historical flavor to the puzzles. They also allow for specific letter counts that common modern words might not fulfill.
How can knowing synonyms help with 'old ointment' clues?
Knowing synonyms is crucial for crossword solving. For 'old ointment,' understanding that words like 'salve,' 'unguent,' 'balm,' 'liniment,' or even 'poultice' can all refer to similar concepts, even with subtle differences, allows you to match the available letters and length requirements in the grid. Building a strong vocabulary, especially of less common words, is key.