lenitive

adjective

len·​i·​tive ˈle-nə-tiv 

: alleviating pain or harshness : soothing

lenitive noun

lenitively adverb

Did you know?

Lenitive first appears in English in the 15th century. It derives from the Latin verb lenire ("to soften or soothe"), which was itself formed from the adjective lenis, meaning "soft" or "mild." Lenire also gave us the adjective lenient, which usually means "tolerant" or "indulgent" today but in its original sense carried the meaning of "relieving pain or stress." Often found in medical contexts, lenitive can also be a noun referring to a treatment (such as a salve) with soothing or healing properties.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lenitif, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin lenitivus, from Latin lenitus, past participle of lenire

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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Medical Definition

lenitive

1 of 2 adjective

len·​i·​tive ˈlen-ət-iv 

: alleviating pain or harshness

lenitive

2 of 2 noun

: a lenitive medicine or application