beauty-supply
UK[ˈbjuːti səˌplaɪ]US[ˈbjuti səˌplaɪ]
n
A store or business that sells products such as cosmetics, hair care items, and accessories, typically to both consumers and professionals.
Morpheme Breakdown
beauty
supply
beauty
quality
supply
provision
Etymology
The compound "beauty-supply" is a modern commercial term formed by combining two English words of distinct origins. "Beauty" traces back to the Latin bellus, meaning "pretty," which evolved through Old French to denote the abstract quality of aesthetic excellence. "Supply" originates from the Latin supplere, meaning "to fill up," reflecting the act of providing what is lacking. The fusion of these concepts in the 20th century created a term that logically denotes the commercial provision of items intended to enhance or maintain physical appearance, specifically within the cosmetics and personal care industry. This compound perfectly encapsulates the industry's function: furnishing the means to cultivate or adorn beauty.
Analysis
Structure: beauty (quality) + supply (provision)
beauty: From Anglo-Norman beute, Old French biauté, ultimately from Latin bellus (pretty, handsome). Functions as a noun denoting the quality that gives pleasure to the senses.
supply: From Old French soupleer, from Latin supplere (to fill up, complete), from sub- (up from under) + plere (to fill). Functions as a noun denoting the act of providing something needed.
Examples
She bought new hair extensions at the local beauty-supply store.
The company is a major distributor of professional beauty-supply products.
He owns a chain of beauty-supply shops that cater to salon owners.