lotion

UK: ˈləʊʃ(ə)n | US: ˈloʊʃ(ə)n

Definition

  1. n. a liquid preparation applied to the skin for cleansing, moisturizing, or medicinal purposes.

Structure
lot <wash>ion <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "lotion" originates from the Latin lotio (meaning "a washing"), derived from lotus, the past participle of lavare ("to wash"). The morpheme lot preserves the core idea of cleansing, while -ion forms a noun indicating a process or result. Over time, the term narrowed from general washing to specifically denote liquid skincare products.

Examples

  1. She applied a soothing lotion to her sunburned skin.

  2. This medicated lotion helps relieve dry, itchy patches.

  3. Always test a new lotion on a small area first.

  4. The spa offers handmade herbal lotions.

  5. He keeps a bottle of hand lotion on his desk.