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Webster 1913 Edition


Cosmetic

Cos-met′ic

,
Noun.
Any external application intended to beautify and improve the complexion.

Webster 1828 Edition


Cosmetic

COSMETIC

,
Adj.
s as z. [Gr., order, beauty.] Beautifying; improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the skin.

COSMETIC

,
Noun.
Any preparation that renders the skin soft, pure and white, and helps to beautify and improve the complexion.

Definition 2024


cosmetic

cosmetic

English

Adjective

cosmetic (comparative more cosmetic, superlative most cosmetic)

  1. Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
    a cosmetic preparation
    • Alexander Pope
      First, robed in white, the nymph intent adores, / With head uncovered, the cosmetic powers.
  2. External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.
    Fortunately, the damage to the house was mostly cosmetic and a bit of paint covered it nicely.

Related terms

Derived terms

Translations

Noun

cosmetic (plural cosmetics)

  1. Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
  2. A feature existing only on the surface.

Hyponyms

  • See also Wikisaurus:toiletry

Translations

See also