cosmetic

American  

[koz-met-ik] / kɒzˈmɛt ɪk /

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.

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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 British  

/ kɒzˈmɛtɪk /

noun

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

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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

• anticosmetics adjective
• cosmetically adverb
• cosmeticology noun

Etymology

Origin of cosmetic

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

Example Sentences

"Small markets, stores and low-cost cosmetics shops catering to female garment workers have all disappeared," said Iqbal Hossain, a trade union leader.

From Barron's

Acai's active ingredients piqued the interest of food and cosmetic companies worldwide.

From Barron's

Corporate filings show profits shrinking at companies in a wide range of industries, including steel, concrete, electric vehicles, robotics, condiments and cosmetics.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as long as Mr. Cabello remains the thug behind the throne, any such change would be cosmetic.

From The Wall Street Journal

He then imagined a scenario where Sivan was his patient and listed various cosmetic "improvements" he could opt for, including skin boosters and dermal filler.

From BBC

Related Words

• corrective
• superficial