Cotton-wool

  • 1Cotton wool — Cotton Cot ton (k[o^]t t n), n. [F. coton, Sp. algodon the cotton plant and its wool, coton printed cotton, cloth, fr. Ar. qutun, alqutun, cotton wool. Cf. {Acton}, {Hacqueton}.] 1. A soft, downy substance, resembling fine wool, consisting of the …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 2cotton wool — n [U] BrE 1.) a soft mass of cotton that you use especially for cleaning and protecting wounds ▪ She put some disinfectant on a piece of cotton wool and dabbed it on her cheek. 2.) wrap sb (up) in cotton wool to protect someone completely from… …

    Dictionary of contemporary English

  • 3Cotton wool — consists of silky fibers taken from cotton plants in their raw state. Impurities, such as seeds, are removed and the cotton is then bleached and sterilized. It is also a refined product ( absorbent cotton in U.S. usage) which has medical,… …

    Wikipedia

  • 4cotton-wool — n Brit ABSORBENT COTTON * * * cot·ton wool (kotґən wool) raw nonabsorbent cotton, especially the absorbent form prepared by removing the cottonseed oil …

    Medical dictionary

  • 5cotton wool — noun uncount BRITISH COTTON used for cleaning a cut on your skin or removing MAKEUP wrap someone in cotton wool BRITISH to protect someone from all the dangers or problems that could happen …

    Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • 6cotton wool — ► NOUN 1) Brit. fluffy wadding of a kind originally made from raw cotton, used especially for applying or removing cosmetics or bathing wounds. 2) US raw cotton …

    English terms dictionary

  • 7cotton wool — n. 1. raw cotton ☆ 2. COTTON BATTING …

    English World dictionary

  • 8cotton wool — noun (U) BrE 1 a soft mass of cotton that you use especially for cleaning and protecting wounds: Cotton wool pads are good for removing make up. 2 wrap sb in cotton wool to protect someone completely from the dangers, difficulties etc of life:… …

    Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • 9cotton wool — N UNCOUNT Cotton wool is a soft mass of cotton, used especially for applying liquids or creams to your skin. [BRIT] (in AM, use cotton) …

    English dictionary

  • 10cotton wool — noun 1》 Brit. fluffy wadding of a kind originally made from raw cotton, used especially for cleaning the skin or bathing wounds. 2》 US raw cotton. Phrases wrap someone in cotton wool be overprotective towards someone …

    English new terms dictionary