depilatory

[ dih-pil-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

/ dɪˈpɪl əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

capable of removing hair.

noun, plural de·pil·a·to·ries.

a depilatory agent.

such an agent in a mild liquid or cream form for temporarily removing unwanted hair from the body.

Nearby words

depiction, depicture, depigmentation, depilate, depilation, depilatory, depill, deplane, deplete, depleted uranium, depletion

Origin of depilatory

1595–1605; < Medieval Latin dēpilātōrius < Latin dēpilā(re) (see depilate) + -tōrius -tory¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for depilatory

A few readers will, perhaps, be disappointed in finding that I have only given one formula for depilatory.
The Art of Perfumery|G. W. Septimus Piesse
The depilatory action is entirely chemical, being due to the solvent action of the sulphide on the hair root.
Animal Proteins|Hugh Garner Bennett
He put it on the market under another name as a depilatory, and amassed a substantial fortune.
My Man Jeeves|P. G. Wodehouse
(Soap d.; Savon pilatoire,) Turkish depilatory and soft soap, equal parts.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley

Fancy a religion that makes you keep your hair on unless you use a depilatory.
The Grandchildren of the Ghetto|Israel Zangwill

British Dictionary definitions for depilatory

depilatory

/ (dɪˈpɪlətərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

able or serving to remove hair

noun plural -ries

a chemical that is used to remove hair from the body

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

Medicine definitions for depilatory

depilatory

[ dĭ-pĭl′ə-tôr′ē ]

adj.

Having the capability to remove hair.

n.

A preparation in the form of a liquid or cream that is used to remove unwanted hair from the body.epilatory