Words / B1

kotn-WUL/ˌkɒtn ˈwʊl/

Cotton wool (id: cotton-wool) is soft, fluffy cotton used for cleaning skin or packing (UK, often uncountable; US cotton balls). Cotton is also cloth; wool is from sheep. First aid: cotton wool is for wounds; it is not for the science practical unless the sheet says so.

Meaning

Soft, fluffy cotton used for cleaning skin or packing (UK, often uncountable; US cotton balls).

Examples

• “Cotton wool in the first-aid kit is for wounds; it is not for the science practical.”
• “Cotton-wool pads in the nurse’s room are single-use; sharing one is an infection-control fail.”

Good to know

cotton wool (UK, often uncountable). US: cotton balls. Contrast: cotton cloth / wool. First aid / NHS. Mix-up: wool is from sheep; cotton wool is fluffy cotton.

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