Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Capable of removing hair: Describes a substance or method that has the property of eliminating hair from the skin.
   • Causing hairlessness: Refers to something that renders an area free of hair.

2. Noun:

   • A cosmetic product for hair removal: A preparation, often a cream or lotion, used to temporarily eliminate unwanted hair from the body.
   • A chemical agent for hair removal: A substance, typically containing a sulfide, used to remove hair, wool, or bristles from animal hides in preparation for leather-making.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The depilatory cream was effective and gentle on her skin.
  • They sought a depilatory method that was less painful than waxing.

• Noun:

  • She applied a depilatory to her legs before going to the beach.
  • The tannery uses a strong depilatory to remove hair from the hides.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term is often used to modify nouns related to hair removal.
  • Depilatory treatments have become more advanced in recent years.
  • The depilatory process must be followed precisely to avoid skin irritation.

Variants and Related Words

• Depilate (verb): To remove hair from.
  • She decided to depilate her arms.
• Depilation (noun): The act or process of removing hair.
  • Laser depilation is a popular long-term solution.

Synonyms

• Hair remover (noun): A general term for any product or method that removes hair.
• Epilatory (adjective/noun): Sometimes used interchangeably, though "epilatory" often implies pulling hair out from the root, while "depilatory" typically involves chemical dissolution at the skin's surface.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning relates to the temporary, chemical removal of hair from human skin for cosmetic purposes.
• A secondary, more industrial meaning refers to the chemical treatment of animal hides to remove hair or wool. This usage is specific to manufacturing and tanning industries.

Adjective

1. able to remove hair or render hairless

Noun

1. a cosmetic for temporary removal of undesired hair
2. a chemical (usually a sulfide) used to remove hair or wool or bristles from hides