emollient

Definitions

1. Something which softens or lubricates the skin; moisturizer.
2. Anything soothing the mind, or that makes something more acceptable.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“2008, Carol A. Miller, Nursing for Wellness in Older Adults (Fifth edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, p. 505, [T]he effectiveness of an emollient is based on its ability to prevent⟳ water evaporation, […]”

“"Several of the visitors then partook for a short time, with evident Parisian gusto, of the pleasures of the dance⟳," yes--we did, and the lovely girls with whom we polked (ladies being one of the Club emollients) were eloquent in praise⟳ of our exquisite tournures which were shown to such advantage beneath our tight uniforms.”

“Hail, Poetry, thou heav’n-born maid! / Thou gildest e’en the pirate’s trade⟳. / Hail, flowing fount of sentiment! / All hail, divine emollient!”

“Attentive conversation is an emollient I lack sorely aboard Prophetess & the doctor is a veritable polymath.”

CEFR level