salve¹ (săv, säv)
n.

1. An analgesic or medicinal ointment.
2. Something that soothes or heals; a balm.
3. Flattery or commendation.

tr.v., salved, salv·ing, salves.

1. To soothe or heal with or as if with salve.
2. To ease the distress or agitation of; assuage: salved my conscience by apologizing.

[Middle English, from Old English sealf.]

salve² (sălv)
tr.v., salved, salv·ing, salves.
To salvage.

[Back-formation from SALVAGE or SALVABLE.]

salvor sal'vor n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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