absorbent cotton

noun

1. cotton for surgical dressings, cosmetic purposes, etc., made absorbent by removing the natural wax.

absorbent cotton

noun

1. See cotton wool
   a US term for cotton wool

Word History and Origins

Origin of absorbent cotton¹

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

Legend has it that when the war ended and Kimberly-Clark company executives were looking for new clients for their products, a group of American nurses said they had been using the super absorbent cotton as sanitary pads.

From Ozy

They heard that one country was in special need of stretchers, a second absorbent cotton, a third hospital gauze.

From Project Gutenberg

As she spoke Mrs. Harold took a bit of absorbent cotton, soaked it in rose water and bathed the lovely soft, brown eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

After the limb had been carefully wrapped in absorbent cotton and placed in a larger box, he felt very comfortable.

From Project Gutenberg

This is removed by placing in water and wiping gently with absorbent cotton.

From Project Gutenberg

An excellent substitute is absorbent cotton-wool enclosed in gauze (Gamgee tissue).

From Project Gutenberg