Kohl
/koʊl/noun
A cosmetic used to darken the eyelids and eyelashes, typically made from a mixture of soot and other ingredients.
Did you know?Kohl was not just a cosmetic; in ancient Egypt, it was believed to protect against the evil eye and enhance the wearer's spiritual powers.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gʲewh₁-
“To shine, to be bright.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
καλός (kalos)
“Beautiful, good.”
Latin
Latin
caligo
“Mist, darkness, or smoke.”
Old French
Old French
col
“Coal, a dark substance created from burning.”
Modern English
English
kohl
“A black powder used as eyeliner, derived from traditional practices.”