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1

emollient

adjective emol·lient \ i-ˈmäl-yənt \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of emollient

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

Recent Examples of emollient from the Web

The government is now headed by a more emollient figure: a former banker who also continues to head the ministries of finance and economic development.

— The Economist, "DebeatifiedPoland’s prime minister gets the chop," 14 Dec. 2017
Not mascara, lip balm, or even my ride-or-die concealer, but the thick, ultra-emollient ointment that's saved my ass (er, my skin) too many times to count.

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "Aquaphor's $12 Ointment Spray Is a Game-Changer for People With Skin Conditions Like Mine," 3 Nov. 2017
Rich in emollient olive oil, this cleanser effortlessly removes even the most stubborn of waterproof makeup, but also deposits a slew of antioxidants onto the skin, which protect from environmental, free-radical damage.

— rachel jacoby zoldan, Teen Vogue, "DHC Deep Cleansing Oil Review," 23 June 2017
Speaking in the courtyard of Louvre last night, Macron celebrated by striking a soothing, emollient tone.

— isobel thompson, The Hive, "France’s New President Is Already Fighting the Trump Agenda," 8 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emollient.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of emollient

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1626

See Words from the same year

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

2

emollient

noun

Definition of emollient

: something that softens or soothes

Recent Examples of emollient from the Web

Biossance uses its signature squalane oil as a carrier for its vitamin C serum, which according to Leung provides the skin with protection and emollient properties.

— janna mandell, San Francisco Chronicle, "Your skin’s secret (antioxidant) weapon? It starts with a C.," 6 Apr. 2018
Wet the hair and add an emollient, such as hair conditioner or natural oils.

— oneith o. cadiz, m.d., miamiherald, "How to treat and prevent head lice infections in children | Miami Herald," 13 Feb. 2018
This time the tone of Mr Xi’s speech of welcome was emollient.

— The Economist, "Kim Jong Un visits China," 28 Mar. 2018
Recent research has studied the efficacy and safety of natural oils and over-the-counter emollients to smother these unwelcome pests.

— oneith o. cadiz, m.d., miamiherald, "How to treat and prevent head lice infections in children | Miami Herald," 13 Feb. 2018
The focus is now on Mr Green, Theresa May’s oldest friend in politics and another emollient figure who has provided political sense in a cabinet that is lacking it.

— The Economist, "BagehotThe Palace of Pestminster faces up to accusations of sexual predation," 4 Nov. 2017
Blotting absorbs the oils and emollients that take the stick out of lipstick while leaving the pigments intact.

— ramona emerson, Allure, "3 Blotting Paper Beauty Hacks," 13 Sep. 2017
Opt for a vegetable dye to pick up the variations in your hair color or semi-permanent gloss with tons of emollients and proteins.

— hallie gould, Marie Claire, "How to Go Dark A La Kate Middleton," 3 Dec. 2013
But, as Farage and Le Pen fight for their relevance, Macron emerges as an emollient figure.

— isobel thompson, The Hive, "The Le Pen-Macron Cage Match Begins," 23 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'emollient.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of emollient

1656

Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum

Medical Dictionary

1

emollient

adjective emol·lient \ i-ˈmäl-yənt \

medical Definition of emollient

: making soft or supple; also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane

2

emollient

noun

medical Definition of emollient

: an emollient agent

an emollient for the hands

Learn More about emollient

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emollient

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WORD OF THE DAY

bloviate

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to speak or write verbosely and windily

BROWSE DICTIONARY

emolliate

emollience

emollient

emollition

emoloa

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