cosmetico

cosmetic

adjective koz-MEH-tee-koh Rare

Origin: From Greek kosmetikos, 'skilled in adornment', from kosmein (to arrange).

Also means

superficial

Usage Note

Cosmetico functions both as an adjective (prodotto cosmetico, cosmetic product) and a noun (il cosmetico, a cosmetic product). The plural noun is i cosmetici. In a figurative sense, un cambiamento cosmetico (a cosmetic change) means a superficial change that does not address underlying problems — a useful false-friend warning for English speakers who may underuse this sense.

Examples

"Usa solo prodotti cosmetici naturali."

Natural Translation

She uses only natural cosmetic products.

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