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

Professor and endocrinologist Simone van de Sande Lee is clear: "These are drugs approved to treat conditions like diabetes or obesity - they are not cosmetic tools."

From BBC

Millions of views piled up as cosmetics and skincare brands including Prada Beauty, Paula’s Choice and NYX chimed in with offers to send her their own products.

From The Wall Street Journal

Consumer Scotland has called for improvements to a Scottish government bill that aims to tighten regulation around cosmetic treatments.

From BBC

To look at them, one would call them more cosmic than cosmetic.

From Los Angeles Times

It saddens the writer and director when people feel like they need cosmetic procedures, and women use Botox and fillers before wrinkles even appear, in an attempt to delay aging.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• corrective
• superficial