FOMENTATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does fomentation mean? 

• FOMENTATION (noun)
  The noun FOMENTATION has 3 senses:

1. a substance used as a warm moist medicinal compress or poultice

2. application of warm wet coverings to a part of the body to relieve pain and inflammation

3. deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)

  Familiarity information: FOMENTATION used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FOMENTATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A substance used as a warm moist medicinal compress or poultice

Classified under:

Nouns denoting substances

Hypernyms ("fomentation" is a kind of...):

substance (a particular kind or species of matter with uniform properties)

Holonyms ("fomentation" is a substance of...):

compress (a cloth pad or dressing (with or without medication) applied firmly to some part of the body (to relieve discomfort or reduce fever))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Application of warm wet coverings to a part of the body to relieve pain and inflammation

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Hypernyms ("fomentation" is a kind of...):

intervention; treatment (care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury))

Derivation:

foment (bathe with warm water or medicated lotions)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Deliberate and intentional triggering (of trouble or discord)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

fomentation; instigation

Hypernyms ("fomentation" is a kind of...):

induction; initiation; trigger (an act that sets in motion some course of events)

Derivation:

foment (try to stir up public opinion)