Word of the Day - 10/16/26
emollient
/ɪ'mɑljənt/(adj.): having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin
The lotion had an emollient effect, making her rough hands feel smooth and comfortable.
(n.): something that has a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
She applied the emollient generously to her dry skin after her shower.
Word Origin
The word 'emollient' originates from Late Latin 'emolliens', the present participle of 'emollire', meaning 'to soften'. This Latin verb is formed from 'e-' (a variant of 'ex-') meaning 'out' or 'thoroughly', and 'mollire' meaning 'to soften', which itself comes from 'mollis' meaning 'soft'.
Words with similar origins include 'mollify', which comes from Latin 'mollificare' ('to make soft'), and 'mollusc', derived from Latin 'molluscus' ('soft-shelled'), both ultimately stemming from 'mollis'.