Emollient
/ɪˈmɒl.i.ənt/noun
A substance that has a soothing or softening effect, especially on the skin.
Did you know?Historically, emollients were often derived from sacred plants, believed to possess healing powers and divine properties in ancient rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mel-
“to soften or grind”
Latin
Latin
emolliens
“softening, soothing, derived from 'emollire' (to soften)”
Late Latin
Latin
emollientem
“present participle of 'emollire', referring to something that softens”
Old French
Old French
emollient
“softening, soothing, applied to substances used in skincare”
14th Century
Middle English
emollient
“a term used in medicine to describe soothing ointments or creams”