cotton
UK[ˈkɒtn̩]US[ˈkɑːtn̩]
n
a soft white fibrous substance that surrounds the seeds of a tropical and subtropical plant and is used to make textile fabric and thread for sewing.
n
the tropical and subtropical plant that produces this fiber, with showy flowers and broad leaves.
n
textile fabric or thread made from this fiber.
Etymology
the word "cotton" traces a fascinating journey across cultures and languages, ultimately reflecting the spread of the commodity itself. its earliest known root is the ancient egyptian word for the plant. this term was borrowed into arabic as "quṭn," and from arabic, it passed into old french as "coton" during the medieval period. english acquired the word from anglo-norman french in the late middle ages, solidifying its form as "cotton." the word's history is not one of transparent morphemic composition but of phonetic adaptation, mirroring the trade routes that brought the valuable fiber from the ancient near east to europe.
Analysis
the word "cotton" is a simplex loanword. it entered english from old french "coton," which came from arabic "quṭn" or "quṭun," likely of ancient egyptian origin.
Examples
she prefers to wear clothes made of breathable cotton in the summer.
the southern states were major producers of cotton in the 19th century.
please use a cotton ball to apply the antiseptic to the cut.