c. 1400, from Late Latin fomentationem (nominative fomentatio), noun of action from past-participle stem of fomentare "to foment," from Latin fomentum (see foment).
Entries linking to fomentation
foment v.
early 15c., "apply hot liquids," from Old French fomenter "apply hot compress (to a wound)" (13c.), from Late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum "warm application, poultice," contraction of *fovimentum, from fovere "to warm; cherish, encourage" (see fever). Extended sense of "stimulate, instigate" (1620s), on the notion of "encourage the growth of," as if by heat, probably was taken from French. Related: Fomented; fomenting.