cosmetic: Meaning and Definition of

cos•met•ic

Pronunciation: (koz-met'ik), [key]
— n.
  1. a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.
  2. 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.
—adj.
  1. serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, esp. of the face.
  2. 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.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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