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

Example Sentences

It also advises using damp cotton wool to clean the eyes.

From BBC

She decorated it economically, using cotton wool to mimic snow, the auctioneers said.

From BBC

The fly-half finished the night on 1,090 from 115 internationals before he was replaced at half-time to be, presumably, wrapped in cotton wool.

From BBC

Ireland and their fans will want Sexton to be wrapped in cotton wool between matches as they pursue a first world title.

From BBC

A trial heard Paris Mayo, then 15, suffocated the boy, Stanley, by stuffing cotton wool into his mouth and throat.

From BBC