/sear"ayt/ , n.
1. Pharm. an unctuous, often medicated, preparation for external application, consisting of lard or oil mixed with wax, rosin, or the like, esp. one that has a firmer consistency than a typical ointment and does not melt when in contact with the skin.
adj.
2. Also, cerated . Ornith. having a cere.
[ 1375-1425; late ME ceratum, neut. of ceratus (ptp. of cerare to cover or smear with wax), equiv. to cer ( a ) wax + -atus -ATE 1 ; cf. Gk kerotén in same sense ]