moisturizer

UK: ˈmɔɪstʃəraɪzə | US: ˈmɔɪstʃəraɪzər

Definition
  1. n. a substance used to add moisture to the skin or hair

  2. n. a cosmetic or skincare product designed to prevent dryness

Structure
moist <damp>urize <verb-forming suffix>er <agent noun suffix>
Etymology

moisturizer = moist<damp> + urize<verb-forming suffix> + er<agent noun suffix>

  • moist (from Old French moiste, meaning "damp" or "slightly wet")
  • urize (a variant of -ize, a verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein, indicating "to make or treat with")
  • er (agent noun suffix, indicating "a thing or person that performs an action")

Etymology Origin:
The word moisturizer emerged in the early 20th century, combining moist (retaining its core meaning of dampness) with the verb-forming suffix -ize (to create the action of adding moisture) and the agent suffix -er (to denote the product performing this action). The term reflects the modern skincare industry’s focus on hydration, evolving from earlier uses of moist in describing environmental or physical wetness.

Examples
  1. She applies a moisturizer every night to keep her skin soft.

  2. This moisturizer contains aloe vera for extra hydration.

  3. Dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer after washing your face.

  4. The new moisturizer claims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

  5. He forgot to pack his moisturizer, and his hands became dry during the trip.