whit·field's ointment \ˈhwitˌfēldz- also ˈwi-\noun alsowhitfield ointment\-d-\ Usage: usually capitalized W Etymology: after Arthur Whitfield died 1947 English dermatologist : an ointment that contains benzoic acid and salicylic acid and is used for its keratolytic effect in treating ringworm and other fungal skin diseases