1. a basic function of self-care that includes maintaining one’s body, hair, clothes, and general appearance. This includes such activities as bathing, shaving, toothbrushing and flossing, hair brushing and styling, nail trimming, and applying cosmetics. Reacquiring grooming skills that have been lost or compromised due to mental or physical impairment is a central aspect of many rehabilitation programs.

2. behavior in which a nonhuman animal picks through its own or another animal’s hair, fur, or feathers. Whereas the main function of self-grooming is hygienic (i.e., to remove dirt and parasites), grooming of other members of an animal’s group may serve both hygienic and social functions. See allogrooming.