/ kɒzˈmetɪk; NAmE kɑːz-/ noun , adjective
■ noun
[ usually pl. ] a substance that you put on your face or body to make it more attractive :
the cosmetics industry
a cosmetic company
cosmetic products
■ adjective
1.
improving only the outside appearance of sth and not its basic character :
These reforms are not merely cosmetic.
She dismissed the plan as a cosmetic exercise to win votes.
2.
connected with medical treatment that is intended to improve a person's appearance :
cosmetic surgery
cosmetic dental work
► cos·met·ic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent. (as a noun denoting the art of beautifying the body): from French cosmétique , from Greek kosmētikos , from kosmein arrange or adorn, from kosmos order or adornment.