jojoba

noun

jo·​jo·​ba hə-ˈhō-bə How to pronounce jojoba (audio)
: a shrub or small tree (Simmondsia chinensis synonym S. californica) of the box family of southwestern North America with edible seeds that yield a valuable liquid wax used especially in cosmetics

Examples of jojoba in a Sentence

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The keratin protein and jojoba oil in the serum strengthened and nourished our testers' weak, brittle nails, and their cuticles became noticeably healthier as well. Toni Sutton, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025 Speaking of their conditioning formulations, these skin-plumping oils tend to feature the hits in terms of ingredients: hydrating hyaluronic acid, moisture-sealing jojoba oil, and squalane are just the beginning. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 Feb. 2025 It's made with silica and jojoba beads for a gentler exfoliation and softer results. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025 Unlike harsh physical exfoliants like walnut shells or peach pits, which can cause micro-tears, this method can use a variety of different gentle exfoliants, such as biodegradable jojoba beads, collections of enzymes, or rice bran, to help maintain smooth skin while minimizing sensitivity. Eva Crouse, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jojoba

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, of Uto-Aztecan origin; akin to O'odham hohowai jojoba, Yaqui hohoovam

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jojoba was in 1900

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Cite this Entry

“Jojoba.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jojoba. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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