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cosmetics

[koz-met-ik] Origin

cos·met·ic

[koz-met-ik]
noun
1.
a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.
2.
cosmetics, superficial measures to make something appear better, more attractive, or more impressive: The budget committee opted for cosmetics instead of a serious urban renewal plan.
adjective
3.
serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, especially of the face.
4.
used or done superficially to make something look better, more attractive, or more impressive: Alterations in the concert hall were only cosmetic and did nothing to improve the acoustics.

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Cosmetics is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison.
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.

Origin:
1595–1605; < Greek kosmētikós relating to adornment, equivalent to kosmēt(ós) adorned, arranged (verbid of kosmeîn, derivative of kósmos order, arrangement) + -ikos -ic

cos·met·i·cal·ly, adverb
an·ti·cos·met·ics, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

cosmetic
1605, from Gk. kosmetikos "skilled in adornment," from kosmein "to arrange, adorn," from kosmos "order" (see cosmos). Fig. sense of "superficial" is from 1955.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

cosmetic cos·met·ic (kŏz-mět'ĭk)
n.
A preparation, such as powder or a skin cream, designed to beautify the body by direct application. adj.

  1. Serving to beautify the body, especially the face and hair.

  2. Serving to modify or improve the appearance of a physical feature, defect, or irregularity.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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