Hypertext Webster Gateway: "cosmetic"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Cosmetic \Cos*met"ic\ (k?z-m?t"?k), Cosmetical \Cos*met"ic*al\
(-?-kal), a. [Gr. kosmitiko`s skilled in decorating, fr.
ko`smos order, ornament: cf. F. cosm['e]tique. See {Cosmos}.]
Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the
complexion; as, a cosmetical preparation.
First, robed in white, the nymph intent adores, With
head uncovered, the cosmetic powers. --Pope.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Cosmetic \Cos*met"ic\, n.
Any external application intended to beautify and improve the
complexion.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
cosmetic
adj 1: serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose; "cosmetic
fenders on cars"; "the buildings were utilitarian
rather than decorative" [syn: {decorative}, {ornamental}]
2: serving an aesthetic purpose in beautifying the body;
"cosmetic surgery"; "enhansive makeup" [syn: {enhancive}]
n : a toiletry designed to beautify the body [syn: {cosmetics}]
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