I. ˈsav, ˈsäv, ˈsalv, ˈsälv noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sealf; akin to Old High German salba salve, Greek olpē oil flask
Date: before 12th century
1. : an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores
2. : a remedial or soothing influence or agency
a salve to their hurt feelings
II. transitive verb
( salved ; salv·ing )
Date: before 12th century
1. : to remedy (as disease) with or as if with a salve
2. : quiet , assuage
give him a raise in salary to salve his feelings — Upton Sinclair
III. ˈsalv transitive verb
( salved ; salv·ing )
Etymology: back-formation from salvage
Date: circa 1706
: salvage
• sal·vor ˈsal-vər, -ˌvȯr noun