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tampon

[ tam-pon ]
/ ˈtæm pɒn /
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noun
a plug of cotton or the like for insertion into an orifice, wound, etc., chiefly for absorbing blood or stopping hemorrhages.
such a plug used for absorbing menstrual flow, especially one that is manufactured commercially.
a two-headed drumstick for playing rolls.
verb (used with object)
to fill or plug with a tampon.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

Origin of tampon

From French, dating back to 1855–60; see origin at tampion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tampon in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for tampon

tampon
/ (ˈtæmpɒn) /

noun
a plug of lint, cotton wool, cotton, etc, inserted into an open wound or body cavity to stop the flow of blood, absorb secretions, etc, esp one inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood
verb
(tr) to plug (a wound, etc) with a tampon

Derived forms of tampon

tamponage, noun

Word Origin for tampon

C19: via French from Old French tapon a little plug, from tape a plug, of Germanic origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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