lotion

lo-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A liquid preparation applied to the skin for cosmetic or medicinal purposes.

  2. 2.

    A smooth liquid used for cleansing or moisturizing.

Forms

plural: lotions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hand lotion — Moisturizing cream for the hands
  • •
    body lotion — Moisturizer for the body
  • •
    suntan lotion — Cream for protecting or tanning the skin in the sun
  • •
    calamine lotion — A pink medicinal lotion for skin irritation

Related words

See also: cream, moisturizer, ointment, sunscreen
Synonyms: balm, cream, moisturizer, ointment

Etymology

From Latin lotio ("a washing"), from lavare ("to wash"). The term was originally used for medicinal washes before extending to cosmetic preparations.