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| cos·met·ic [ koz méttik ] |
noun (plural cos·met·ics) |
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| Definition: |
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1. beautifying substance: a preparation that is applied to the face or the body to make it more attractive, e.g. lipstick
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often used in the plural
)
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2. superficially attractive aspect: something added or done to something else to cover up defects
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adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. intended to beautify: intended to improve somebody's physical appearance
 cosmetic surgery
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2. done only for appearances: done to make something seem better but having no real value
 The changes to the code of conduct were purely cosmetic, since attitudes remained fundamentally the same.
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3. decorative: designed or added for decorative purposes rather than to have any real function
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| [Early 17th century. Via French cosmétique< Greek kosmētikos "skilled in ornamenting" < kosmein "arrange" < kosmos "order"] |
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 cos·met·i·cal·ly adverb |
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