1. Soothing to the skin or mucous membrane. 2. An agent that softens the skin or soothes irritation in the skin or mucous membrane. SYN: malactic. [L. emolliens, pres. p. of e- mollio, emollire, to soften]
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emollient n an emollient agent <an \emollient for the hands>
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n.
an agent that soothes and softens the skin. Emollients are fats and oils, such as lanolin and liquid paraffin; they are used alone as moisturizers to lessen the need for active drug therapy (such as corticosteroids for eczema) and in skin preparations as a base for a more active drug, such as an antibiotic.
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emol·li·ent (e-molґe-ənt) [L. emolliens softening, from e out + mollis soft] 1. softening or soothing; called also malactic. 2. an agent which softens or soothes the skin, or soothes an irritated internal surface; called also malagma.Medical dictionary. 2011.