I. käz-ˈme-tik adjective
Etymology: Greek kosmētikos skilled in adornment, from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order
Date: 1638
1. : of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2. : done or made for the sake of appearance: as
a. : correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b. : decorative , ornamental
c. : not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3. : visually appealing
• cos·met·i·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1650
: something that is cosmetic: as
a. : a cosmetic preparation for external use
b. plural : superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmetic s — Guy Davenport