What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
calamine
Example
I applied calamine to my mosquito bites to soothe the itching. [calamine: noun]
Example
The calamine lotion helped relieve the redness and irritation from the sunburn. [calamine: adjective]
ointment
Example
The doctor prescribed an ointment to treat the dry patches on my skin. [ointment: noun]
Example
She applied the antibiotic ointment to the cut to prevent infection. [ointment: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ointment is more commonly used than calamine in everyday language. Ointment is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of topical treatments, while calamine is specific to a particular type of soothing lotion or cream.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between calamine and ointment?
Both calamine and ointment can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, ointment is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels due to its broader usage.
