Definition of "cosmetic" []

• A preparation, such as powder or a skin cream, designed to beautify the body by direct application. (noun)
• Something superficial that is used to cover a deficiency or defect. (noun)
• Serving to beautify the body, especially the face and hair. (adjective)
• Serving to modify or improve the appearance of a physical feature, defect, or irregularity: cosmetic surgery. (adjective)
• Decorative rather than functional: cosmetic fenders on cars. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In fact, even the term cosmetic dentists was virtually new to me."
• "You know, irregulars, what they call cosmetic blemished items used to account for a real large percentage of what was sold at outlets."
• "Mohamed ElBaradei, a leading opposition figure, expressed support for continued protests and condemned what he called "cosmetic change" in government as an "insult to the revolution.""