The Open Dictionary

salve

noun

UK/sælv/
US/sæv/

Definitions of salve noun

  1. CountableUncountable

    A medicinal cream or ointment used to soothe or heal injured, sore, or dry skin.

    • She uses a salve daily to treat her sunburned skin.

    • This salve is very effective for relieving minor burns.

    • He applied a special salve to treat the cut on his foot.

  2. Singular

    Something that provides comfort or reassurance during a difficult situation.

    • Her words were a salve to the pain of his job loss.

    • The small bonus was a salve to their financial difficulties.

    • The team’s victory was a salve for their past failures.

verb

UK/sælv/
US/sæv/

Phrases of salve verb

  • salve your conscience

    to do something in order to reduce feelings of guilt.

    • He attempts to salve his conscience by donating to charity.