Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1600-1700
Language: Greek
Origin: kosmetikos 'skilled in decoration', from kosmein 'to arrange, decorate', from kosmos; COSMOS

cosmetic

 adjective
     
Related topics: Hair and Beauty
cos‧met‧ic
1 dealing with the outside appearance rather than the important part of something [= superficial]:
We're making a few cosmetic changes to the house before we sell it.
Many MPs denounced the resolution as a cosmetic exercise (=something which will look good, but have no real effect).
2DCB intended to make your hair, skin, body etc look more attractive:
the cosmetic industry
cosmetic products
Are you on the diet for health or cosmetic reasons?
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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