Main Entry: ¹emol·lient

Pronunciation: \i-ˈmäl-yənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin emollient-, emolliens, present participle of emollire to soften, from e- + mollis soft — more at mollify

Date: 1626

1 : making soft or supple; also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane <an emollient hand lotion>
2 : making less intense or harsh : mollifying <soothe us in our agonies with emollient words — H. L. Mencken>