salve

1 of 3

noun

ˈsav  ˈsäv  ˈsalv  ˈsälv 

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

salve

2 of 3

verb (1)

salved; salving

transitive verb

1

: to remedy (something, such as disease) with or as if with a salve

2

: quiet, assuage

give him a raise in salary to salve his feelings

—Upton Sinclair

salve

3 of 3

verb (2)

ˈsalv 

salved; salving

transitive verb

: salvage

salvor

ˈsal-vər 

-ˌvȯr

noun

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• becalm
• calm
• compose
• lull
• lullaby
• quiet
• quieten [chiefly British]
• settle
• soothe
• still
• tranquilize
• tranquillize

Examples of salve in a Sentence

Verb (1)

attempting to salve her conscience, she anonymously sent the store a sum of cash sufficient to cover the merchandise she had shoplifted

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The brand’s initial products—balms and salves—are crafted specifically to address chronic muscle pain and inflammation, common afflictions for anyone who’s put their body through rigorous physical demands. —Javier Hasse, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

One to three drops of this potent salve is all that’s needed to smooth out frizz and flyaways while increasing shine. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

This statement didn’t salve the ire of those who are not convinced by the sustainability claims of the proposals. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024

Playing like ear salve for anyone who enjoys camping festivals, bass music and tie-dye (preferably all at the same time), the album melds each producer’s celestially-leaning, world music influenced and thoroughly pummeling styles into a groovy, deep, totally fun 13-track collection. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English sealf; akin to Old High German salba salve, Greek olpē oil flask

Verb (2)

back-formation from salvage

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

circa 1706, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

salve

1 of 2 noun

ˈsav 

ˈsȧv

: a healing ointment

salve

2 of 2 verb

salved; salving

: to ease or soothe with or as if with a salve

Medical Definition

salve

noun

ˈsav  ˈsäv  ˈsȧv 

ˈsalv,

ˈsälv

: an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores