Kohl

Kohl

Noun · /kəʊl/

Definition

A black powder, typically antimony sulphide or galena (lead sulphide), used as a cosmetic to darken the eyelids and eyebrows; traditionally used across the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa.

Origin

From Arabic kuhl (antimony, kohl), from the root k-h-l related to staining or darkening. The same Arabic word gives us alcohol — via medieval alchemical Arabic al-kuhl, originally meaning a fine powder, then extended to any sublimed or distilled essence, and eventually to distilled spirits. Used in English from the 18th century.