What does cosmetic mean?

Definitions for cosmetic
kɒzˈmɛt ɪkcos·met·ic

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word cosmetic.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. cosmeticadjective

    a toiletry designed to beautify the body

  2. cosmetic, decorative, ornamentaladjective

    serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose

    "cosmetic fenders on cars"; "the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative"

  3. cosmetic, enhanciveadjective

    serving an aesthetic purpose in beautifying the body

    "cosmetic surgery"; "enhansive makeup"

Wiktionary

  1. cosmeticnoun

    Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner; makeup.

  2. cosmeticnoun

    A feature existing only on the surface.

  3. cosmeticadjective

    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.

  4. Etymology: From Ancient Greek κοσμητική (kosmetike) "the art of dress and ornament", from κοσμητής (kosmetes) "orderer, director, decorator", from κοσμέω

ChatGPT

  1. cosmetic

    Cosmetics are substances or products designed to enhance or alter the appearance or fragrance of the body. They typically include a broad range of materials such as lipstick, mascara, foundation, nail polish, perfume for personal care or beauty purposes. They can be applied to the face, hair, or skin. They may also be intended for use as skincare products to cleanse or protect the skin. Cosmetics can also refer to procedures that individuals undergo to modify or improve their physical appearance.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Cosmeticadjective

    alt. of Cosmetical

  2. Cosmeticnoun

    any external application intended to beautify and improve the complexion

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary

  1. Cosmetic

    koz-met′ik, adj. improving beauty, esp. that of the complexion.—n. a preparation for beautifying the skin and hair.—adj. Cosmet′ical.—adv. Cosmet′ically.—v.t. Cosmet′icise.—n. Cosmet′icism. [Gr. kosmētikoskosmeinkosmos, order.]

The Foolish Dictionary, by Gideon Wurdz

  1. COSMETIC

    A new face-maker. From Grk. _kosmos_, order, and Eng. _medic_, or doctor,--ordered by the doctor. (See Complexion.)

Editors Contribution

  1. cosmetic

    High class ayurvedic skin care product brand


    Submitted by anonymous on August 30, 2021  

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of cosmetic in Chaldean Numerology is: 3

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of cosmetic in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence

  1. Charles Elson:

    That change is seemingly cosmetic in nature, he will still control the composition of the board.

  2. Leora Tanenbaum:

    Girls nowadays live in a culture with so much pressure to change their appearances, whether it's putting on makeup or something more extreme like cosmetic surgery.

  3. Joseph Silletti:

    I couldn't imagine living every day and waking up and wondering why I have the wrong organs, i just couldn't. But these folks have been, and now I understand what a relief it must be to have the organs you believe you need, and I don't see that as any way' cosmetic.'.

  4. Josef Woodman:

    In Eastern Europe, a lot of people from the UK – but also people from the United States – travel to Hungary, Croatia and Turkey for everything from dental to light cosmetic surgery.

  5. Andy Rubenstein:

    A cosmetic departure 10 weeks after this was made public will do nothing to change the culture that has operated in the dark for 30 years.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

cosmetic#1#5893#10000

Translations for cosmetic

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"cosmetic." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 11 Feb. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/cosmetic>.

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