Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia. salve 1 (săv, säv) n. 1. An analgesic or medicinal ointment. 2. Something that soothes or consoles; a balm: "a melodious salve to holiday traveling blues" (Oscar Musibay). 3. Flattery or commendation. tr.v. salved, salv·ing, ...