cosmetic

Definition

Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.

Etymology

From French cosmétique, from Ancient Greek κοσμητική (kosmētikḗ, “the art of dress and ornament”), κοσμητικός (kosmētikós), from κοσμητής (kosmētḗs, “orderer, director, decorator”), from κοσμέω (kosméō, “to order, to arrange, to rule, to adorn, to equip, to dress, to embellish”), from κόσμος (kósmos, “order”). By surface analysis, cosmos + -etic.

Example Sentences

• "a cosmetic preparation"
• "Firſt, rob'd in white, the nymph intent adores / With head uncover'd, the coſmetic pow'rs."
• "Fortunately, the damage to the house was mostly cosmetic and a bit of paint covered it nicely."

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