Cosmetic Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of COSMETIC

[count]

:

a substance (such as a cream, lotion, or powder) that you put on your face or body to improve your appearance

• Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.

— usually plural

• lipstick, nail polish, and other cosmetics
• shopping for cosmetics [=_makeup_]

Britannica Dictionary definition of COSMETIC

1

always used before a noun

:

used or done in order to improve a person's appearance

• cosmetic creams
• Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
• medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes/reasons
• She says she's never had/undergone cosmetic surgery. [=surgery done to improve a person's appearance]

2

:

done in order to make something look better

• The house just needs some paint and a few other cosmetic [=_decorative_] changes.

3

[more cosmetic; most cosmetic]

:

not important or meaningful

• They made a few cosmetic [=_superficial_] changes to the deal, but they didn't change anything of real importance.
• The changes were purely cosmetic.