How Do You Spell CATAPASM?

Pronunciation: [kˈatɐpˌazəm] (IPA)

Catapasm is a word that refers to a type of medicated plaster or poultice that is applied to the skin. The spelling of this word follows the phonetic rules of the English language, using the letters "c", "a", "t", "a", "p", "a", "s", and "m" to represent the sounds heard in the word. Specifically, the word begins with the "k" sound represented by "c", followed by the "a" sound twice, "p" and "s" sounds in between, and the "m" sound at the end. In phonetic transcription, this word is written as /ˈkætəpæzəm/.

CATAPASM Meaning and Definition

1. Catapasm is a noun that refers to a medicinal preparation or poultice that is typically applied externally to alleviate pain, inflammation, or promote healing. It is derived from the Greek word "katapasma," meaning "plaster," and in the field of medicine, it specifically relates to a solid or semi-solid substance that is spread on a cloth, and then applied to a specific area on the body as a form of treatment.

   Catapasm can be made from a variety of ingredients, such as herbal extracts, oils, powders, or medicinal substances, all mixed with a suitable medium like water or oil. The mixture is often heated and blended thoroughly before being applied to the affected area, where it is left in contact with the skin for a specified period of time.

   The purpose of using a catapasm is to provide relief from pain, reduce inflammation, draw out toxins, or promote wound healing. It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions like muscle soreness, joint pain, sprains, bruises, boils, or skin infections. The application of a catapasm helps deliver the active components of the medicinal substances directly to the affected area, allowing them to penetrate the skin and exert their therapeutic effects.

   Overall, catapasm is a traditional and time-tested method of delivering topical medication. While its popularity has declined with the development of modern medications and treatments, it remains an effective technique for localized pain relief and healing.

2. A dusting powder applied to raw surfaces or ulcers.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CATAPASM

• xatapasm
• vatapasm
• fatapasm
• datapasm
• cztapasm
• cstapasm
• cwtapasm
• cqtapasm
• carapasm
• cafapasm
• cagapasm
• cayapasm
• ca6apasm
• ca5apasm
• catzpasm
• catspasm
• catwpasm
• catqpasm
• cataoasm

Etymology of CATAPASM

The word "catapasm" comes from the Greek word "katapasma", which means a poultice or plaster. It derives from the verb "katapassō", meaning "to press down" or "to cover tightly". The term was later adopted by Latin as "cataplasma", retaining the same meaning. Ultimately, "catapasm" is an English adaptation of the Latin term.