n. [ L. cataplasma, Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to spread over; kata` down, wholly + &unr_; to form, mold. ] (Med.) A soft and moist substance applied externally to some part of the body; a poultice. Dunglison. [ 1913 Webster ]
(n) a medical dressing consisting of a soft heated mass of meal or clay that is spread on a cloth and applied to the skin to treat inflamed areas or improve circulation etc., Syn. plaster, cataplasm