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View synonyms for

cosmetic

[ koz-met-ik ]

noun

  1. a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.
  2. 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

  1. serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, especially of the face.
  2. 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.

cosmetic

/ ɒˈɛɪ /

noun

  1. any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it
“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

adjective

  1. serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face
  2. having no other function than to beautify

    cosmetic illustrations in a book

  3. derogatory.
    designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial

    their resignation is a cosmetic exercise

“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
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Derived Forms

  • DzˌپˈDZDz, noun
  • Dzˈپ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • Dz·i·· adverb
  • t·Dz·i adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmetic1

1595–1605; < Greek Dzŧپó relating to adornment, equivalent to Dzŧ ( ó ) adorned, arranged (verbid of Dzî, derivative of kómos order, arrangement) + -ikos -ic
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmetic1

C17: from Greek Dzŧikos, from kosmein to arrange, from kosmos order
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

A video accompanying a podcast shows a gift basket for US cosmetics entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima, which includes a card saying: "With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex."

From

Every year, 20 million Chinese people pay for cosmetic procedures.

From

Many are minor cosmetic issues, but he says he has also uncovered serious failings such as errors in "fire-stopping" - special measures to stop the spread of fire between different parts of a building.

From

The ASA says because of the risks involved, cosmetic surgery should be portrayed as a decision that needs time and thought, rather than urgency to book quickly and grab a deal.

From

Fatima believes the repairs were cosmetic and said they did not address the root causes of the mould and damp.

From

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cosm-cosmetician