makeup

Noun

makeup (usually uncountable, plural makeups)

1. (countable, uncountable, usually) An item's composition.
   • To understand how a nuclear reactor works, we must first look at its makeup.
   • After the size and makeup of Congress was decided by the Founding Fathers, it was time to lawmake.2005, Bennett Fairorth, Philadelphia Holidays 2004, Turkish Pleasures 1997, page 269
2. (countable, uncountable, usually) Cosmetics; colorants and other substances applied to the skin to alter its appearance.
   • She is wearing a lot of makeup.

   Synonyms:

   maquillage

3. (usually) Replacement; material used to make up for the amount that has been used up.
   • When the water level drops, the float ball drops with it and opens the valve to the makeup water supply.2005, William C. Whitman, William M. Johnson, John A. Tomczyk, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technology, page 1208
4. (usually) A test given to students allowing them to repeat failed material.
   • “Will I get a chance to take a makeup? My mother paid for the exam.”2020, Tayari Jones, Silver Sparrow, Oneworld Publications, page 117
5. (usually) In a NIMCRUT, an amount distributed from the trust's income in subsequent years to make up for a present shortfall.