Cotton plant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cotton plant
[หkษtn plรฆnt ]
Definition
agriculture
A plant cultivated for its soft, fluffy fiber that is used to make textiles.
Synonyms
Gossypium plant, cotton bush, cotton shrub.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cotton plant |
This term is commonly used in general or scientific contexts to refer to any plant that produces cotton. It is the most neutral and widely used term.
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| cotton shrub |
This term is used more specifically in botany or gardening contexts when discussing the structure of the plant, as 'shrub' often implies a woody plant.
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| cotton bush |
This term might be used in casual conversation or informal writing, especially when emphasizing the shrub-like appearance of the plant.
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| Gossypium plant |
This term is used in scientific and academic contexts, often in formal writing or research. 'Gossypium' is the genus name for cotton plants.
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Examples of usage
- The cotton plant requires warm temperatures to grow.
- Cotton plants are harvested for their fibers.
- The cotton plant is a major crop in many countries.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- Cotton played a significant role in the development of economies, notably driving the industrial revolution with textile factories.
- In the 19th century, the American South became heavily reliant on cotton farming, leading to significant social and economic change.
- The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793 transformed cotton processing, allowing for faster production and increased demand.
Cultural Impact
- Cotton has been a symbol of Southern identity in American culture, often representing both economic growth and social conflict.
- In India, cotton has deep cultural roots, highlighting traditional clothing and practices in festivals and daily life.
- Cotton trading influenced global trade routes, shaping interactions between nations and cultures for centuries.
Science
- Cotton plants can grow up to 3 meters tall and typically have a lifespan of about 6 months from planting to harvest.
- The cotton fiber is made up of about 90% cellulose, making it one of the most sustainable and biodegradable fabric options available.
- Each cotton boll can contain around 20,000 fibers, showcasing the plant's efficiency in fiber production.
Environmental Aspects
- Cotton is often regarded as a 'water-intensive' crop, requiring a significant amount of water for growth, especially in dryer climates.
- There are sustainable practices emerging in cotton farming, such as organic cotton, which reduces pesticide use and promotes biodiversity.
- Cotton farming has sparked discussions about environmental impact and labor practices, leading to movements for fair trade and eco-friendly products.
Origin of 'cotton plant'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cotton' comes from the Arabic 'qutn', which shows how the trade of this plant spread across cultures.
- Earlier names for cotton included 'cotton wool', referring to the soft, fluffy fibers it produces.
- The fibers were used in ancient Egypt as early as 12,000 years ago and were a major part of their textile industry.
The cotton plant has a long history dating back thousands of years. It is believed to have originated in the Indus Valley region of Pakistan and India. Cotton was cultivated and used in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793 revolutionized the cotton industry, making cotton production more efficient. Today, cotton is one of the most important textile fibers in the world.