Cotton: meaning, definitions and examples

Commonly used when talking about the material derived from the cotton plant, often in the context of clothing or textiles. It is often associated with comfort and softness.

• She wore a soft cotton dress.
• This cotton shirt is perfect for summer.

Often used in the context of the industry that produces woven or knitted cloth, and can refer to both the material and the industry itself. It implies a broader scope, including both finished products and raw materials.

• China is one of the largest exporters of textiles in the world.
• The museum has a fascinating exhibit on ancient textiles.

A general term used to refer to any type of material made from fibers, whether natural or synthetic. It's used in various contexts including fashion, upholstery, and crafting.

• She chose a bright fabric for the new curtains.
• The designer prefers to work with luxurious fabrics.

Refers to the threads or filaments that make up fabrics or other materials. It can be used in a technical or scientific context, and also to discuss dietary fiber in nutrition.

• Natural fibers like cotton and wool are biodegradable.
• Eating foods high in fiber is good for your digestion.

Refers to the plant itself or the material produced from it, used in the same context as the first 'cotton'.

• The fields were full of cotton ready for harvest.
• This shirt is made of 100% cotton.

Used when specifically referring to the biological plant that produces cotton fibers.

• The cotton plant requires a warm climate to grow.
• Farmers are experimenting with new methods to improve cotton plant yield.

Scientific or formal contexts, particularly in academic or botanical discussions.

• Gossypium is the genus to which cotton plants belong.
• Research on Gossypium hirsutum has led to better cultivation practices.

Best used when referring to the soft, fluffy material that comes from the cotton plant, often used in clothing and textiles.

• She bought a cotton dress for the summer.
• The bed sheets are made of pure cotton.

Best used when referring to the action of cleaning or drying something with a cloth or one's hand by rubbing it across a surface. It implies a more direct action than 'clean' and is often related to specific tasks.

• Make sure to wipe the table after dinner.
• He wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Used when referring to making something free of dirt, marks, or mess. It can also imply a sense of purity or absence of harmful substances.

• He likes to keep his car clean.
• The kitchen looks clean after you washed the dishes.

Refers to fine particles of matter, such as dirt or pollen, that accumulate on surfaces. It can also be a verb meaning to remove such particles.

• The room was covered in dust after months of neglect.
• She dusts the furniture every Saturday.