Lotion
/ˈloʊ.ʃən/noun
A liquid or semi-liquid preparation applied to the skin for cleansing, soothing, or moisturizing.
Did you know?Lotion ultimately traces back to Latin lavare, “to wash,” the same root behind words tied to bathing and purification, so its history is all about cleansing power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
lotiō
“a washing or bathing”
Late Latin
Latin
lotiōnem
“washing, a bathing action”
Old French
Old French
lotion
“a washing; a medicinal wash”
16th Century
English
lotion
“a liquid preparation for washing or soothing the skin”
Modern English
English
lotion
“a skin preparation applied externally”