A class of pharmacopeial preparations that are liquid suspensions or dispersions intended for external application; some consist of finely powdered, insoluble solids held in more or less permanent suspension by suspending agents or surface-active agents, or both; others are oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by surface-active agents. [L. lotio, a washing, fr. lavo, to wash]
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lo·tion 'lō-shən n
1) a liquid usu. aqueous medicinal preparation containing one or more insoluble substances and applied externally for skin disorders
2) a liquid cosmetic preparation usu. containing a cleansing, softening, or astringent agent and applied to the skin <hand \lotion> <aftershave \lotion>
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n.
a medicinal solution for washing or bathing the external parts of the body. Lotions usually have a cooling, soothing, or antiseptic action.
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lo·tion (loґshən) [L. lotio] a liquid or semiliquid preparation containing one or more active ingredients in a suitable vehicle, for external application to the body; most are suspensions of solids in an aqueous medium, but some are solutions or emulsions.Medical dictionary. 2011.