English Reference
noun · verb

lotion

n. · v.
US /ˈɫoʊʃən/ UK /lˈəʊʃən/ lo·tion UK spelling lotions

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a smooth liquid you put on your skin to keep it healthy or soft.

    n.a low- to medium-viscosity topical preparation intended for application to the skin for cosmetic or medicinal purposes.

    Simple

    You should apply some suntan lotion before you go out to the beach.

    In context

    The dermatologist recommended a fragrance-free lotion to soothe the patient's dry skin during the winter months.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable when referring to the substance, but countable when referring to a specific type or bottle.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to rub a liquid or cream onto someone's skin.

    v.to treat or cover a surface, typically the skin, with a medicinal or cosmetic lotion.

    Simple

    She carefully lotioned her arms after spending all day in the sun.

    In context

    The nurse lotioned the patient's bedsores to prevent further irritation and promote healing of the tissue.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a body part or a person.

    moisturizeanoint

From Middle English locion, borrowed from Latin lōtiō, lōtiōnem (“a washing”), from lavō (“to wash”); see lave. Doublet of lavation.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin lotio
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated