cotton wool

noun

1. cotton in its raw state, as on the boll or gathered but unprocessed.
2. British. absorbent cotton.

cotton wool

noun

1. Also calledpurified cotton bleached and sterilized cotton from which the gross impurities, such as the seeds and waxy matter, have been removed: used for surgical dressings, tampons, etc Usual US termabsorbent cotton
2. cotton in the natural state
3. informal.
   1. a state of pampered comfort and protection
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cotton-wool existence

Word History and Origins

Origin of cotton wool¹

First recorded in 1590–1600