emollient
The definition of emollient is something that is softening or soothing to the skin, or is someone or something intended to soothe.
(adjective)- Aloe cream that you put on sunburned skin is an example of an emollient cream.
- An approach to resolving conflict intended to create a peace treaty that will end a war between two fighting countries is an example of an emollient approach.
Emollient is defined as a substance that softens or soothes the skin.
(noun)A lubricant found in lipstick or hand lotion that causes your skin to become softer is an example of an emollient.
See emollient in Webster's New World College Dictionary
adjective
Origin: L emolliens, prp. of emollire, to soften < e- out + mollire, to soften < mollis, soft: see mill
noun
See emollient in American Heritage Dictionary 4
adjective
- Softening and soothing, especially to the skin.
- Making less harsh or abrasive; mollifying: the emollient approach of a diplomatic mediator.
- An agent that softens or soothes the skin.
- An agent that assuages or mollifies.
Origin:
Origin: Latin ēmolliēns, ēmollient-
Origin: , present participle of ēmollīre, to soften
Origin: : ē-, ex-, intensive pref.; see ex-
Origin: + mollīre, to soften (from mollis, soft; see mel-1 in Indo-European roots)
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