emollient

[ih-mol-yuhnt]

adjective

1. having the power of softening or relaxing, as a medicinal substance; soothing, especially to the skin.

   emollient lotions for the face.

   Synonyms: assuasive, healing, palliative

noun

1. an emollient medicine, lotion, salve, etc.

emollient

/ ɪˈmɒlɪənt /

adjective

1. softening or soothing, esp to the skin

2. helping to avoid confrontation; calming

noun

1. any preparation or substance that has a softening or soothing effect, esp when applied to the skin

Other Word Forms

• emollience noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of emollient¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin ēmollient- (stem of ēmolliēns ) “softening up” (present participle of ēmollīre ), equivalent to ē- intensive prefix + molli(s) “soft” + -ent- noun and adjective suffix; e- ¹, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of emollient¹

C17: from Latin ēmollīre to soften, from mollis soft

Example Sentences

"I have to undergo a lot of treatment every day, which takes three to five hours and involves bath emollients, creaming and exfoliating," she said.

From BBC

Like much of the international community, the Israeli prime minister is waiting to see if Sharaa makes good on his moderate, emollient stance in action as well as words.

From BBC

Some incorporate tallow with other emollient ingredients to make their own natural moisturizer.

From Salon

To test whether water anoles are an exception to the rule, Swierk prevented the formation of normal rebreathing bubbles over the lizards' nostrils by applying a commercial emollient to their skin surface.

From Salon

The most effective lip balms contain ingredients that attract moisture, known as humectants; add moisture and oil, emollients; and form a protective barrier to seal in moisture, occlusives, Awan said.

From Seattle Times