Adjective: emollient i'mól-yunt [N. Amer], i'mó-lee-unt [Brit]
- Having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin
"The emollient ointment provided relief for her sunburn";
- demulcent, salving, softening
- Toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
"He used an emollient to soothe his dry, cracked hands";
- cream, ointment
Derived forms: emollients
See also: soft
Type of: toilet articles, toiletry
Encyclopedia: Emollient