H. L. Mencken
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Emollient derives from the present participle of the Latin verb emollire, which, unsurprisingly, means "to soften or soothe." Emollire, in turn, derives ultimately from mollis, meaning "soft." Another descendant of mollis is mollify (essentially meaning "to make softer in temper or disposition"). A more distant relative is mild, which can be traced back to the same ancient source as mollis. The adjective emollient first appeared in print in English in the early 1600s; the noun arrived on the scene soon after.
Examples of emollient in a Sentence
Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2023
Thankfully rich, emollient hand creams can help alleviate and soothe dry, irritated hands with minimal effort.
—Daley Quinn, Health, 29 Mar. 2023
Overnight Gel-Cream ($40), a more emollient formula made to hydrate dull skin overnight.
—Blake Newby, Essence, 26 Dec. 2020
Using ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E, and green tea, this is an emollient-rich balm that soothes and rehydrates.
—Rachael Schultz, Health, 12 Apr. 2023
Seal it all in with an emollient moisturizer.
—Brian Underwood, Women's Health, 27 Feb. 2023
Zelensky, an affable, squat man who speaks in a rapid-fire, cheese-grater voice, failed to bring peace, angering pro-Russia Ukrainians, who saw him as a more emollient figure than Poroshenko, and infuriating others who saw him as a weak man played by Putin, Zolkina said.
—Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2022
Concentrations under 50 percent allow glycerin to exhibit emollient properties, which help soften the skin.
—Elise Tabin, Harper's BAZAAR, 14 Mar. 2023
An emollient body balm to lock in moisture after a shower.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2023
Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
Examples could be emollients like oat or almond oil to help soothe and nourish your skin.
—Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 8 July 2023
The mineral sunscreen blocks UV rays with zinc oxide but also boasts emollients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
—Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 27 Mar. 2024
It’s also packed with numerous emollients, which are richly moisturizing.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2024
This $11 formula is also notably hydrating, thanks to the addition of glycerin (a humectant) and squalane (an emollient) which helps seal in moisture.
—Macaela MacKenzie, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024
Jojoba oil is rich in fatty acid, draws moisture in, and serves as an emollient.
—Sarah Han, Allure, 6 Feb. 2024
There are various types of emollients, including lotions, creams and ointments.
—The Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2024
Popular emollients include shea butter, aloe vera, and ceramides.
—Sarah Klein, SELF, 5 Jan. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emollient.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near emollient
Cite this Entry
“Emollient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emollient. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
emollient
1 of 2 adjective
emollient
2 of 2 noun
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