sea-island cotton

or Sea Island cotton

[ see-ahy-luhnd ]

noun

1. a long-staple cotton, Gossypium barbadense, raised originally in the Sea Islands and now grown chiefly in the West Indies.

sea-island cotton

noun

1. a cotton plant, Gossypium barbadense, of the Sea Islands, widely cultivated for its fine long fibres
2. the fibre of this plant or the material woven from it

Word History and Origins

Origin of sea-island cotton¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

An improved form of the roller gin is at present used for cleaning the long-staple Sea Island cotton.

From Project Gutenberg

In every other respect Sea Island cotton is in advance over Hinganghat cotton.

From Project Gutenberg

The sea-island cotton, called also "long staple" on account of its very long silky fibres, is the finest cotton known.

From Project Gutenberg

Sea island cotton is used chiefly for fine laces, thread and knit goods and for the finest lawns and muslins.

From Project Gutenberg

Gulf cotton occupies a position between upland and sea island cotton.

From Project Gutenberg