cosmetic
n. · adj.-
1 makeup product (n.) B1 Intermediatea substance such as cream, powder, or lipstick that you put on your face or body to look more attractive.
a preparation or substance applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, or altering the appearance.
ExampleShe spent a lot of money on high-quality cosmetics at the department store.
ExampleThe regulation of cosmetics ensures that the chemicals used in skincare products are safe for long-term daily application.
UsageUsually used in the plural form 'cosmetics' when referring to makeup in general.
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2 improving appearance (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediate Medicineused to improve the way something or someone looks.
relating to treatment intended to restore or improve a person's appearance.
ExampleHe decided to have cosmetic surgery to fix the shape of his nose.
ExampleWhile some procedures are medically necessary, others are purely cosmetic and aimed at boosting the patient's self-esteem.
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3 superficial (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateaffecting only the surface or appearance of something, rather than its basic character.
affecting only the appearance of something rather than its substance or essence; often used to imply a lack of depth.
ExampleThe repairs to the old house were mostly cosmetic, like painting the walls.
ExampleCritics argued that the government's policy changes were merely cosmetic and failed to address the root causes of the economic crisis.
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.