adj. & n.
--adj.
1. intended to adorn or beautify the body, esp. the face.
2 intended to improve only appearances; superficially improving or beneficial (a cosmetic change).
3 (of surgery or a prosthetic device) imitating, restoring, or enhancing the normal appearance.
--n. a cosmetic preparation, esp. for the face.
Derivatives:
cosmetically adv.
Etymology: F cosm{eacute}tique f. Gk kosmetikos f. kosmeo adorn f. kosmos order, adornment