emollient

Everyday

1. An emollient is a cream or lotion that makes dry skin soft and smooth. tree →
2. (formal) Emollient words or behaviour are calming and gentle, meant to stop people getting angry. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons and on chemist labels it means moisturiser for dry skin or eczema. In formal writing and news it describes soothing speeches. Phrases: «emollient cream», «an emollient tone».

Examples

• The doctor gave me an emollient for my eczema. tree →
• Rub the emollient cream into dry patches of skin. tree →
• Emollients help skin keep its water in. tree →
• Use an emollient after a bath. tree →
• The head teacher spoke in an emollient tone to calm the angry parents. tree →
• (formal) The minister gave an emollient reply to the protesters. tree →
• Grandma uses an emollient on her hands in winter. tree →
• Emollient creams can make the bath slippery, so be careful. tree →

Note

Say it «ee-MOL-ee-ent». Countable as a noun: an emollient, emollients. Safety: emollient creams can soak into clothes and bedding and make them burn more easily, so keep away from flames.