Word of the Day

: June 30, 2013

lenitive

adjective LEN-uh-tiv

What It Means

: alleviating pain or harshness : soothing

lenitive in Context

Peppermint, chamomile, and ginger are all reputed to have a lenitive effect on the digestive system.

"They sing of thunder and driving rain, upon occasion, but the lenitive electro pop of Canadian boy-girl duo Purity Ring is decidedly more calming." - From an announcement by Jason Bracelin in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, April 7, 2013

Did You Know?

"Lenitive" first appeared in English in the 15th century. It derived from the Latin verb "lenire" ("to soften or soothe"), which was itself formed from the adjective "lenis," meaning "soft" or "mild." "Lenire" also gave us the adjective "lenient," which usually means "tolerant" or "indulgent" today but in its original sense carried the meaning of "relieving pain or stress." Often found in medical contexts, "lenitive" can also be a noun referring to a treatment (such as a salve) with soothing or healing properties.