Definition of cosmetic
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
: decorative, ornamental
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
cosmetic
nounDefinition of cosmetic (Entry 2 of 2)
: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural
: superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmetics— Guy Davenport
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for cosmetic
The first known use of cosmetic was in 1638
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