cosmetic
[ koz-met-ik ]
/ kɒzˈmɛt ɪk /
noun
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.
adjective
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
1595–1605; < Greek
kosmētikós relating to adornment, equivalent to
kosmēt(ós) adorned, arranged (verbid of
kosmeîn, derivative of
kósmos order, arrangement) +
-ikos
-ic
OTHER WORDS FROM cosmetic
cos·met·i·cal·ly, adverb an·ti·cos·met·ics, adjectiveWords nearby cosmetic
cosimo,
cosimo i,
cosine,
cosla,
cosm-,
cosmetic,
cosmetic surgery,
cosmetician,
cosmeticize,
cosmetize,
cosmetologist
Example sentences from the Web for cosmetic
British Dictionary definitions for cosmetic
cosmetic
/ (kɒzˈmɛtɪk) /
noun
any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it
adjective
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
Derived forms of cosmetic
cosmetically, adverb cosmeticology, nounWord Origin for cosmetic
C17: from Greek
kosmētikos, from
kosmein to arrange, from
kosmos order
Medical definitions for cosmetic
cosmetic
[ kŏz-mĕt′ĭk ]
n.
A preparation, such as powder or a skin cream, designed to beautify the body by direct application.
adj.
Serving to beautify the body, especially the face and hair.
Serving to modify or improve the appearance of a physical feature, defect, or irregularity.