cosmetic
a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.
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.
serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, especially of the face.
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.
Origin of cosmetic
1Other words from cosmetic
- cos·met·i·cal·ly, adverb
- an·ti·cos·met·ics, adjective
Words Nearby cosmetic
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use cosmetic in a sentence
Skincare is increasingly outselling cosmetics in the beauty business.
The Gen Z founders of a boutique skincare brand tackling chronic skin conditions and stigma | Rachel King | September 13, 2020 | FortuneEpic, whose Fortnite generates more than $1 billion annually from in-game purchases of virtual cosmetics and extras, sued both companies for what it considers excessive fees and for the right to sell game extras directly to players.
Apple’s App Store draws scrutiny in yet another country | Verne Kopytoff | September 3, 2020 | FortuneA stock split is, fundamentally, a cosmetic accounting trick—and buying fractional ownership of these companies is, on a relative basis, more expensive than ever after factoring in recent gains in share price.
Investors riding high on Apple and Tesla stock splits could get clipped, data shows | rhhackettfortune | August 31, 2020 | FortuneL’Oreal’s sales dropped 19% in the second quarter as lockdown conditions weakened demand for makeup and cosmetics.
How the world’s biggest advertisers are spending (or not) as the pandemic grinds on | Lara O'Reilly | August 3, 2020 | DigidayAmong various commercially available bubble solutions, Miyako and Yang found that pollen grains remained most healthy and viable in one made with lauramidopropyl betaine — a chemical used in cosmetics and personal care products.
Bubble-blowing drones may one day aid artificial pollination | Maria Temming | June 22, 2020 | Science News
PG has been used in more than 4,000 food, beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products for more than 50 years.
Europeans Recall Fireball Whiskey Over a Sweetener Also Used in Antifreeze | Tim Mak | October 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTPropylene glycol is used for a variety of industrial, cosmetic, and food production uses.
Europeans Recall Fireball Whiskey Over a Sweetener Also Used in Antifreeze | Tim Mak | October 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSally Beauty has also partnered with Susan G. Komen to sell special pink cosmetic products.
The Misogynistic Companies Jumping On The Breast Cancer Bandwagon | Emily Shire | October 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTShe said pageant contents are just the most visible product of the cosmetic industry now at risk.
Venezuela Now Has Toilet Paper but No Breast Implants | Jason Batansky | September 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIt can lead to all types of cosmetic and functional issues down the road which are difficult if not impossible to reverse.
Among the Germans cosmetic dentistry, though still the favorite field of charlatans, was greatly cultivated.
An Epitome of the History of Medicine | Roswell ParkThe medicinal and cosmetic properties of spring rain and May dew appear to have been at one time universally credited.
The Mysteries of All Nations | James GrantA kind of cosmetic greatly affected by the ladies, whom it greatly affects in turn.
The Devil's Dictionary | Ambrose BierceRejoice in the knowledge that gluttony is the best cosmetic.
The Feasts of Autolycus | Elizabeth Robins PennellI am always telling her that early rising is the best cosmetic for the complexion.
Averil | Rosa Nouchette Carey
British Dictionary definitions for cosmetic
/ (kɒzˈmɛtɪk) /
any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it
serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face
having no other function than to beautify: cosmetic illustrations in a book
derogatory designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial: their resignation is a cosmetic exercise
Origin of cosmetic
1Derived forms of cosmetic
- cosmetically, adverb
- cosmeticology, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse