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Definition of sunscreen

sunscreen

/ˈsʌnˌskriːn/
sun · screen

Plural:sunscreens
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sunscreen Lexical Profile

sunscreen Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A topical lotion, spray, or gel applied to the skin to absorb or reflect the sun's ultraviolet radiation, thereby protecting against sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Example

"Dermatologists strongly recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen every two hours when spending time outdoors."

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'sun' and 'screen', coined in the mid-20th century to describe commercial products designed to filter or block harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sunscreen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sunscreen
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