salben

to anoint, apply ointment

verb ZAL-ben Rare

Origin: from Old High German 'salba' (ointment)

Usage Note

Salben means to rub with a healing or soothing ointment — eine wunde Stelle salben. The word has a slightly archaic or elevated tone; eincremen is more colloquial for moisturising.

Examples

"Die Ärztin salbte die aufgekratzte Wunde mit einer antibiotischen Creme."

Natural Translation

The doctor applied antibiotic ointment to the scratched wound.

Literal Translation

The doctor anointed the scratched wound with an antibiotic cream.

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