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

Other Word Forms

• cosmeticology noun
• cosmetically adverb
• anticosmetics 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

"Our guidance is also clear that when providing non-surgical cosmetic medical products such as Botox, there needs to be a physical examination of the person to support a safe prescribing decision," she said.

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Research described in ACS Engineering Au outlines a way to preserve the powerful compounds extracted from beet leaves for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Read more on Science Daily

The facelift is often seen as the last resort, the most major of cosmetic surgeries.

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In 1983, the cosmetics heir Leonard Lauder had his first encounter with the art collection of the art critic and historian Douglas Cooper.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Would I be financially reckless to spend $20K on cosmetic surgery?

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• corrective 
• superficial