Cotton

Definition

Cotton is a soft, fibrous substance surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant, used as a material for fabric and textiles. It also refers to the cotton plant itself, a shrub cultivated for its fiber and seeds. As a verb, it means to understand or to begin to like something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑtən/
• Respelling: KAH-tuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɒtən/
• Respelling: KOT-uhn

Etymology

The word "cotton" originates from the Arabic "quṭun" or "quṭn," which referred to the plant and its fiber. It entered the English language in the Middle Ages through Old French "coton."

Derivatives

• Cottony (adjective)
• Cottoned (verb)
• Cottoning (verb)
• Cottonwood (noun)
• Cottonseed (noun)

Synonyms

• Fiber
• Textile
• Thread

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "cotton" is widely used to describe the plant or fiber used in textile production, such as "The shirt is made from 100% cotton." As a verb, it can mean developing a liking or understanding, as in "He began to cotton to the idea."

Related Terms

• Fiber: A thread-like material from plants or animals used in textiles.
• Textile: Any woven or knitted fabric or cloth.
• Plant: A living organism that grows, often for its useful properties, including fiber.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The fiber surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant, used in textiles: Refers to the white, fluffy fiber harvested from the cotton plant.
  • Example: "This fabric is made from high-quality cotton."
• The cotton plant itself: A shrub cultivated primarily for its soft fiber and seeds.
  • Example: "Farmers planted acres of cotton this season."

Verb

• To begin to like or understand something: Used primarily in informal contexts to indicate warming up to an idea or concept.
  • Example: "She didn't at first, but she eventually cottoned to the idea."