depilatories

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableformaltechnical

   Substances or products, often creams, used to remove unwanted body hair.

   Grammar: Countable; the singular is 'depilatory.' Often used in the plural when talking about different types or brands.

   Patterns

   • use a depilatory
   • a depilatory cream

   She prefers depilatories to waxing because they are less painful.

   The pharmacy sells several depilatories in the beauty aisle.

   Some depilatories can cause skin irritation if left on too long.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounformaltechnical

   Describing a substance or method that removes hair.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: 'depilatory cream,' 'depilatory wax.'

   Patterns

   • depilatory cream
   • depilatory product

   She bought a depilatory cream for her legs.

   Depilatory wax is applied warm and then peeled off.

Word forms

Common combinations

depilatory cream

He used a depilatory cream to remove chest hair.

depilatory wax

The salon uses a gentle depilatory wax.

chemical depilatory

Chemical depilatories dissolve hair at the skin's surface.

use a depilatory

Always test a depilatory on a small area first.

Synonyms and how they differ

hair remover

More everyday and less technical; suitable for general conversation.

epilator

A device that pulls hair out by the root, not a cream or substance.

Word family

depilate verb

To remove hair from a part of the body.

depilation noun

The process of removing hair.

Commonly confused: depilatories or epilator?

Practice

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