A pharmaceutical preparation that is thicker and firmer than an ointment, made by mixing medicinal substances with wax.
From Latin ceratum, the past participle of cerre meaning 'to cover with wax,' related to cera (wax). The term reflects ancient apothecary practices of preserving medicines in wax-based formulations.
Medieval doctors prescribed cerats as the original 'solid ointments'—they'd mix healing herbs and spices into beeswax so medicines wouldn't spoil and would last through long winters.
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