ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cotton

n. C / U
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈkɑtən// UK //kˈɒtən// cot·ton Archaic General-service

n. a soft, white material that grows on a plant and is used to make clothes and sheets. It is one of the most common natural fabrics in the world.

n. the soft, white, downy substance consisting of hairs around the seeds of various plants of the genus Gossypium, used as a textile fibre. Often used attributively to describe the fabric or the plant itself.


SIMPLE

This shirt is made of 100% cotton.

CONTEXTUAL

The farmer decided to plant cotton this year because the soil was perfect for a high-yield crop.

COMPLEX

Global trade in cotton remains a cornerstone of the textile industry, though its production is increasingly scrutinised for environmental impact and water consumption in arid regions.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the material or fabric; countable when referring to specific varieties of the plant or types of the thread.

Idioms3 entries

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