sunscreen

UK: /ˈsʌnskriːn/ US: /ˈsʌnˌskrin/ ,(sun′skrēn′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

sun•screen or sun screen /ˈsʌnˌskrin/   n. 

1. Drugs a substance that protects the skin from too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun;
   a lotion, cream, etc., containing this:
   [uncountable] The careful use of sunscreen will protect the baby's skin.
   [countable] Use a powerful sunscreen if you work outside for long hours in the summertime.
2. [countable] a simple structure shielding a patio, atrium, or the like from direct sunlight.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

sun•screen  (sun′skrēn′), n. 

1. a substance formulated to prevent sunburn, skin cancers, and other conditions caused by excessive exposure to the sun, usually by absorbing and reflecting ultraviolet radiation. Cf. SPF. 
2. a lotion, cream, etc., containing such a substance.
3. a latticework or similar construction to shield a patio, atrium, or the like, from direct sunlight. Also, sun′ screen′. 

• sun + screen 1730–40

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

sunscreen / ˈsʌnˌskriːn/ noun

1. a cream or lotion applied to exposed skin to protect it from the ultraviolet rays of the sun