cosmetic
UK[kɒzˈmet.ɪk]US[kɑːzˈmet̬.ɪk]
adj
relating to treatment intended to restore or improve a person's appearance.
adj
affecting only the appearance of something rather than its substance; superficial.
n
a substance applied to the body, especially the face, to improve its appearance.
Morpheme Breakdown
cosmet
ic
cosmet
order, adornment
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word cosmetic traces its lineage to the ancient greek concept of 'kosmos', which fundamentally meant 'order' and by extension, the ordered universe. from this root meaning of harmonious arrangement, it developed the sense of 'adornment'—bringing order and beauty to one's appearance. the greek verb 'kosmein' meant 'to arrange, adorn, decorate', giving rise to 'kosmētikos', meaning 'skilled in adornment'. entering english via latin and french, the term 'cosmetic' originally pertained to the art of adornment and has retained its core association with beautifying the body, while also developing a figurative meaning for superficial improvements.
Analysis
Structure: cosmet (order, adornment) + ic (adjective suffix)
cosmet originates from the greek 'kosmētikos', from 'kosmein' meaning 'to arrange, adorn', and ultimately from 'kosmos' meaning 'order, world, ornament'. ic is a suffix of greek origin via latin, used to form adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to, or characteristic of'.
Examples
she works for a major cosmetic company.
the changes to the policy were merely cosmetic and did not address the underlying problems.
he needed cosmetic surgery after the accident.