Gauze: meaning, definitions and examples

A thin, lightweight, and often see-through fabric used mainly for medical purposes to cover wounds and keep them clean.

• The nurse used gauze to cover the cut.
• Make sure to change the gauze daily to prevent infection.

A strip of material, typically used to support, protect, or immobilize an injured part of the body or to cover wounds.

• She wrapped a bandage around his sprained ankle.
• He wore a bandage over the wound to keep it from getting infected.

A protective covering placed over a wound to promote healing and protect it from further harm; often involves additional materials like gauze or adhesive tape.

• The wound required a sterile dressing to prevent infection.
• After cleaning the cut, the nurse applied a fresh dressing.

A pad of absorbent material, often moist, applied to relieve pain, reduce swelling, or draw out infection from an injured area.

• She placed a cold compress on his forehead to reduce the fever.
• The doctor suggested using a warm compress to ease the muscle pain.

Typically used in medical and first aid contexts for bandaging wounds. It is a lightweight, absorbent fabric.

• He wrapped the wound with gauze to stop the bleeding.
• The nurse applied a piece of gauze to the cut.

Used in contexts where a strong, breathable fabric is needed, such as in sports gear, screens, or outdoor equipment. It often refers to materials with open spaces between the threads.

• The sneakers have a mesh upper for better ventilation.
• They installed insect mesh on the windows.

Used when referring to materials designed to catch or hold something, such as fish nets, sports nets, or protective netting. It generally implies a fabric with larger holes.

• The fisherman repaired the netting on his boat.
• They set up netting around the garden to keep out birds.

Common in fashion and decoration, especially in wedding dresses, veils, and other fancy attire. It is a fine, delicate fabric often associated with formal wear.

• Her wedding dress had layers of delicate tulle.
• The curtains were made from a soft, white tulle.