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cosmetic. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
cosmetic, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
cosmetic in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
cosmetic you have here. The definition of the word
cosmetic will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
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English
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”).
Pronunciation
Adjective
cosmetic (comparative more cosmetic, superlative most cosmetic)
- Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
- Coordinate term: aesthetic
a cosmetic preparation
1714, Alexander Pope, “The Rape of the Lock”, in The Works of Mr. Alexander Pope, volume I, London: W Bowyer, for Bernard Lintot, , published 1717, →OCLC, canto I, page 127:Firſt, rob'd in white, the nymph intent adores / With head uncover'd, the coſmetic pow'rs.
- 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.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion
Noun
cosmetic (plural cosmetics)
- Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.
- A feature existing only on the surface.
- An intangible influence that improves the overall perception of some thing or situation.
Synonyms
Hyponyms
Translations
any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin
See also
Further reading
- “cosmetic”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
- “cosmetic”, in The Century Dictionary , New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.
- “cosmetic”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.
Romanian
Etymology
Borrowed from French cosmétique.
Adjective
cosmetic m or n (feminine singular cosmetică, masculine plural cosmetici, feminine and neuter plural cosmetice)
- cosmetic
Declension