What does poultice mean?
A poultice is a soft, moist preparation applied directly to the skin to ease pain, swelling, inflammation, or an injury. It may be made from cloth soaked in an herbal or medicinal liquid, or from a paste-like mixture of plant material. Poultices have been used for centuries and are particularly associated with traditional herbal medicine. In historical practice, some poultices were also taken internally, but the modern word most often refers to an external treatment. The expression commonly describes applying such a preparation to a bodily area, as in "apply a poultice." Although the term remains understandable and is used in folk-remedy contexts, "compress" is generally preferred in contemporary medical language.
A soft, moist substance applied to the body to soothe inflammation, pain, or an injury.
"The doctor recommended a poultice for the swelling."
Often associated with traditional or folk remedies; "compress" is more common in modern clinical usage.
To apply a poultice to a part of the body.
"The nurse poulticed the swollen joint."
Archaic, traditional, or specialized rather than standard modern clinical vocabulary.
The standard plural of the noun.
"The clinic stocks herbal poultices for home use."
Before modern pain relief, a warm poultice was a common first response to swelling, bruises, and inflammation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does poultice come from?
The word entered English through Anglo-French and Old French forms related to "poultice," ultimately connected with Latin culinary words for a soft or porridge-like food. The name reflects the poultice's traditional physical form as a soft, moist mass. The same broad Latin root appears in cognates such as "polenta" and in the Latin-derived family represented by "pulse," "pulsate," and "pulsar."
Related word forms
How poultice is actually used
The word is traditional and somewhat formal or historical in modern English. It is still used for folk remedies and alternative medicine, while "compress" is more common in clinical contexts.
Easily confused with poultice
A poultice is a moist medicinal or soothing substance applied to the body, whereas polish is a surface finish or the act of shining something.