I. ˈsirˌāt, -_ət, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin ceratum wax salve, from cera wax + -atum -ate — more at cereus
: an unctuous preparation for external application consisting essentially of wax (sometimes resin or spermaceti) mixed with oil, lard, and medicinal ingredients and having a melting point above body temperature
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: cer ium + -ate
: a compound having an anion containing cerium in the tetravalent state