Emollient first appeared in print in English in the early 1600s as an adjective with the meaning "making soft or supple," describing things such as herbs, medicines, and poultices; the noun …

She is opulent, graceful, and beautiful, and conducts herself in a very dignified manner.

Factsheet What does the word emollient mean? There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the word emollient. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Definition of emollient adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

EMOLLIENT definition: having the power of softening or relaxing, as a medicinal substance; soothing, especially to the skin. See examples of emollient used in a sentence.

1. Softening and soothing, especially to the skin. 2. Making less harsh or abrasive; mollifying: the emollient approach of a diplomatic mediator.

An emollient is a liquid or cream that you put on your skin to make it softer or to reduce pain.