I. käzˈmed.ik, -etik, -ēk noun
( -s )
Etymology: in sense 1, from Greek komētikē, from feminine of kosmētikos, adjective; in sense 2, from Greek kosmētikos, adjective
1. archaic : the art of beautifying the body — sometimes used in plural
2. : a preparation (except soap) to be applied to the human body for beautifying, preserving, or altering the appearance of a person (as for theatricals) or for cleansing, coloring, conditioning, or protecting the skin, hair, nails, lips, eyes, or teeth
II. (ˈ) ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ adjective
Etymology: Greek kosmētikos skilled in arrangement or adornment, from kosmētos well-arranged (from kosmein to arrange, adorn, from kosmos order, ornament) + -ikos -ic
: relating to or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
also : correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
III. noun
cosmetics plural : superficially attractive or impressive features
a poem without rhetorical cosmetics — Guy Davenport
IV. adjective
1. : relating to or involving only outward appearance
cosmetic defects
2. : lacking depth or substance : superficial
working to make real improvements, not cosmetic changes — Andy Rooney