cosmetic

[ koz-met-ik ]

noun

1. a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.
2. cosmetics, superficial measures to make something appear better, more attractive, or more impressive:

   The budget committee opted for cosmetics instead of a serious urban renewal plan.

adjective

1. serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, especially of the face.
2. used or done superficially to make something look better, more attractive, or more impressive:

   Alterations in the concert hall were only cosmetic and did nothing to improve the acoustics.

cosmetic

/ kɒzˈmɛtɪk /

noun

1. any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it

adjective

1. serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face
2. having no other function than to beautify

   cosmetic illustrations in a book

3. derogatory.
   designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial

   their resignation is a cosmetic exercise

Derived Forms

• cosˌmetiˈcology, noun
• cosˈmetically, adverb

Other Words From

• cos·meti·cal·ly adverb
• anti·cos·metics adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmetic¹

1595–1605; < Greek kosmētikós relating to adornment, equivalent to kosmēt ( ós ) adorned, arranged (verbid of kosmeîn, derivative of kósmos order, arrangement) + -ikos -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmetic¹

C17: from Greek kosmētikos, from kosmein to arrange, from kosmos order

Example Sentences

Talc is a mineral that is sometimes used in talcum powders and other cosmetic products, according to Cancer Research UK.

From BBC

The “Only Murders in the Building” star and Rare Beauty cosmetics founder slammed speculation about her weight on TikTok, revealing that she lives with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

From Los Angeles Times

File on 4 investigates the cosmetic beauty industry after the first death in the UK from a liquid BBL procedure.

From BBC

He told the inquest he had discussed the possibility of a cosmetic reconstructive surgery with her, but she had rejected it.

From BBC

He uses a hybrid product that combines HA with Radiesse, a cosmetic filler.

From Salon

Related Words

• corrective
• superficial