What does "salve" refer to?

The term "salve" refers to something that remedies, heals, or soothes. It can be used both literally, such as a medicinal ointment applied to wounds, and figuratively, where it may describe anything that alleviates pain, discomfort, or distress, whether emotional or physical. The concept of soothing is central to its definition, whether referring to physical healing through an ointment or calming a situation that is tense or distressing.

The other choices do not align with this meaning. While a situation requiring extensive effort, a symbolic representation, or an ongoing argument might be relevant in different contexts, they do not capture the essence of "salve," which specifically involves healing or alleviation. Therefore, option B accurately embodies the primary definition of "salve."