rubefacient
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //rʌˈbɛfəsɪənt//
KK: /rʌˈbɛfəsɪənt/
adjective
Definition
Causing the skin to become red.
Example
The doctor recommended a rubefacient ointment to help with the inflammation.
Conversation
Have you tried that new cream for sore muscles?
Not yet, but I heard it's quite effective.
I read that it has rubefacient properties, which help with circulation.
That sounds promising! I might give it a shot.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
reddening
flushing
inflaming
Antonyms
pallid
blanching
colorless
noun
Definition
A substance that causes irritation and redness of the skin when applied externally.
Example
The doctor recommended a rubefacient to help improve blood flow to the area.
Conversation
I heard that some creams can act as a rubefacient for sore muscles.
Really? I didn't know that! How does it work?
It irritates the skin a bit, which increases blood flow and helps with pain.
Root Explanation
Rubefacient → It is formed from "rubeo" (meaning to be red) and "facere" (meaning to make or do). The word describes a substance that causes redness of the skin.
Memory Tip
Think of something that 'makes' ('facere') your skin 'red' ('rubeo') — that's why rubefacient refers to a substance that causes redness.
Visually Confused Words
sorbefacient
tumefacient
tubifacient
absorbefacient