I. -nt adjective
Etymology: Latin emollient, emolliens, present participle of emollire to soften, from e- + mollire to soften, from mollis soft — more at melt
: making soft or supple ; also : soothing especially to the skin or mucous membrane
an emollient cream for the hands
an emollient preparation to apply to the membranes of the nose
: mollifying
soothe us in our agonies with emollient words — H.L.Mencken
had an emollient effect on the man's exasperation
II. noun
( -s )
: an emollient agent
an emollient added to a rubber compound to give pliability
an emollient for the hands