lenitive

[ len-i-tiv ]
/ ˈlɛn ɪ tɪv /

adjective

softening, soothing, or mitigating, as medicines or applications.
mildly laxative.

noun

a lenitive medicine or application.
a mild laxative.
Archaic. anything that softens or soothes.

Origin of lenitive

From the Medieval Latin word lēnītīvus, dating back to 1535–45. See lenition, -ive

OTHER WORDS FROM lenitive

len·i·tive·ly, adverb len·i·tive·ness, noun

Example sentences from the Web for lenitive

British Dictionary definitions for lenitive

lenitive
/ (ˈlɛnɪtɪv) /

adjective

soothing or alleviating pain or distress

noun

obsolete a lenitive drug

Word Origin for lenitive

C16: from Medieval Latin lēnītīvus, from Latin lēnīre to soothe

Medical definitions for lenitive

lenitive
[ lĕnĭ-tĭv ]

adj.

Capable of easing pain or discomfort.

n.

A lenitive medicine.