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cosmetology

cosmetology

9 6.3
Work that makes hair, face, and skin look better, like hairdressing and makeup
  • noun
  • /ˌkɒzməˈtɒlədʒi/
translation icon : cosmetología
  • The cosmetology program at the community college teaches students about hairdressing, skincare, and makeup techniques.
  • a career in cosmetology
  • cosmetology school

Examples

  • But Sloan and Bethie had been delighted with their cosmetology results.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Jasmine reported that industry skill standards for cosmetology include oral expression, something she finds difficult to do.

    Academic text (2015)
  • - I get my hair cut at a cosmetology school.

  • I just got a degree in cosmetology.

  • Confused, I called the cosmetology teacher and asked if this was legitimate.

    Academic text (2007)
  • When it comes to fun and fulfilling careers, cosmetology is definitely at the top of the list.

    Blog text (16)
  • My mother sacrificed everything to send me through cosmetology school.

  • As a result, hair braiders in Florida are generally still required to obtain a cosmetology license.

    Academic text (2018)
  • "I'm Rick," he said with a mock bow, "and I'm working my way through cosmetology school."

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Glam Cosmetology welcomes the friends and family of our graduates.

How Specialized

dermatology
  • Specialized
10 4.2
cosmetology
9 6.3
grooming
24 2.2

Surface Forms

cosmetology singular
cosmetologies plural

Morphology

cosmetology = cosmetic (semi-transparent) = cosmet + ology

The word is formed with the combining form cosmet- and the suffix -ology, but its specialized sense as a professional field is only partly predictable from those parts.

Etymology

Cosmetology comes from the root cosmet-, from a Greek word meaning 'to arrange' or 'to adorn', and the ending -ology, which means 'study of'. So cosmetology is literally the 'study of making things beautiful', which fits its modern meaning of professional work on hair, skin, and makeup.