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Emollient

//ɪˈmɒl.ɪ.ənt// adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Moisturizing.

    "Twenty leeches were ordered to be applied round the nose every two days; frequent emollient fomentations; the local vapour bath; general bathing; stimulating pedilavia; a strict regimen; vegetables, milk, white meats; demulcent or acidulated drinks; avoidance of exposure to the sun or to cold air; flannel waistcoat and trousers. This treatment, being strictly observed for two months, caused all the inflammatory symptoms to disappear, […]"

  2. 2
    Soothing or mollifying. figuratively

    "[I]nſtead of Honey, Rob of Elder, Conſerve of Roſes, or Syrup of Violets; Glyſters, Pedilavia of emollient Decoctions with Nitre; or Elder, Vinegar, or Focus's of the ſame, applied with Sponges behind the Ears, to the Armpits, Groins, Hams, &c. or with Barley-water and a little Roſe-vinegar."

Adjective
  1. 1
    having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin wordnet
Noun
  1. 1
    Something which softens or lubricates the skin; moisturizer.

    "2008, Carol A. Miller, Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults (Fifth edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, p. 505, [T]he effectiveness of an emollient is based on its ability to prevent water evaporation, […]"

  2. 2
    toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin wordnet
  3. 3
    Anything soothing the mind, or that makes something more acceptable. figuratively

    ""Several of the visitors then partook for a short time, with evident Parisian gusto, of the pleasures of the dance," yes--we did, and the lovely girls with whom we polked (ladies being one of the Club emollients) were eloquent in praise of our exquisite tournures which were shown to such advantage beneath our tight uniforms."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From French émollient, from Latin emolliēns, present active participle of ēmolliō (“make soft”), from ex- + molliō, from mollis (“soft”).

Etymology 2

From French émollient, from Latin emolliēns, present active participle of ēmolliō (“make soft”), from ex- + molliō, from mollis (“soft”).

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