cosmetics

From French cosmétique, from Ancient Greek κοσμητική (kosmētikḗ, “the art of dress and ornament”), from κοσμητικός (kosmētikós), an adjective of κοσμέω (kosméō, “to order, to arrange, to rule, to adorn, to equip, to dress, to embellish”).

cosmetics pl (plural only)

1. Preparations applied externally to change or enhance the beauty of skin, hair, nails, lips, and eyes.

cosmetics (uncountable)

1. The study of such products.

• cosmetic