Crossword clues for lenitive
The Collaborative International Dictionary
Lenitive \Len"i*tive\ (-t[i^]v), a. [Cf. F. l['e]nitif. See Lenient.] Having the quality of softening or mitigating, as pain or acrimony; assuasive; emollient.
Lenitive \Len"i*tive\, n. [Cf. F. l['e]nitif.]
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(Med.)
A medicine or application that has the quality of easing pain or protecting from the action of irritants.
A mild purgative; a laxative.
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That which softens or mitigates; that which tends to allay passion, excitement, or pain; a palliative.
There is one sweet lenitive at least for evils, which Nature holds out; so I took it kindly at her hands, and fell asleep.
--Sterne.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
early 15c., from Medieval Latin lenitivus, from Latin lenitus, past participle of lenire "to soften" (see lenient). As a noun, from early 15c.
Wiktionary
a. 1 analgesic, able to reduce pain or suffering. 2 (context of a person English) mild; gentle. n. An analgesic or other source of relief from pain
WordNet
adj. moderating pain or sorrow by making it easier to bear [syn: alleviative, alleviatory, mitigative, mitigatory, palliative]
n. remedy that eases pain and discomfort
Usage examples of "lenitive".
Playing is sometimes an excellent lenitive to calm the mind, and to smother the ardent fire of love.
But I do not wish to commence that lenitive until it is necessary, because she will need increasingly heavier doses.
But Amalamena is not stupid, and she knows what discutients and lenitives are for.
Dr Maturin would send for the other lenitives he had mentioned, and when the enemata had had their effect, Dr McAdam might choose to walk on the island to discuss the matter at greater length: Dr Maturin always thought more clearly, when walking.
Rest is the answer, clean dressings, lenitives and peace of mind: there is physical strength in galore.
It is now full time to free him from all these necessities, and to apply cordials and lenitives, after those severities which have already had their full course against him.
Dr Maturin would send for the other lenitives he had mentioned, and when the enemata had had their effect, Dr McAdam might choose to walk on the island to discuss the matter at greater length: Dr Maturin always thought more clearly, when walking.