Etymology Map
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Cosmetic

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a product for improving appearance

Where does the word "cosmetic" come from? It comes from Greek kosmētikos, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
kosmētikos
Greek · ancient
"skilled in adorning"
Greek, from 'kosmos', order, ornament
2
Stage 2 of 2
cosmetic
English · 1600s
"beautifying"
'cosmos' and 'cosmetic' share the idea of order and arrangement
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Read the full story

Cosmetic’s story begins in Greek: kosmētikos meant “skilled in adorning.” Greek, from 'kosmos', order, ornament. It reached English by 1600s as cosmetic. 'cosmos' and 'cosmetic' share the idea of order and arrangement. Today, cosmetic means a product for improving appearance.