What does "emollient" mean?
Something which softens or lubricates the skin; moisturizer.
Emollient
/ɪˈmɒl.ɪ.ənt/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something which softens or lubricates the skin; moisturizer.
- Grammar: emollient is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: cream, ointment, alleviating, alleviative.
- Useful contrasts: active ingredient, astringent, astringents.
- Usage evidence: 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, […]
How to use "emollient"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "emollient" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "emollient" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "emollient" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "emollient" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "emollient" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "cream" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "emollient", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 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 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 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."
Adjective
- 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 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 having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"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, […]"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "emollient"?
Common synonyms include: cream, ointment, alleviating, alleviative, analgesic, anesthetic.
How do you use "emollient" in a sentence?
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, […]
How do you pronounce "emollient"?
Pronounced /ɪˈmɒl.ɪ.ənt/.
Etymology
From French émollient, from Latin emolliēns, present active participle of ēmolliō (“make soft”), from ex- + molliō, from mollis (“soft”).