cotton wool

• Material macio e fofo feito de fibras de algodão, usado para limpar ferimentos, aplicar cosméticos ou como enchimento. No inglês americano costuma ser chamado de «cotton balls» ou «absorbent cotton».

Soft, fluffy material made from cotton fibers, used for cleaning wounds, applying cosmetics, or padding. In American English, it is commonly referred to as 'cotton balls' or 'absorbent cotton'.

1. Soft absorbent materialA2formalbritish

   A soft, fluffy mass of cotton fibers used for cleaning, applying liquids, or padding.

   Algodão

   • She used cotton wool to clean the wound.
   • The nurse applied antiseptic with a piece of cotton wool.
   • Cotton wool is often used in first aid kits.

2. Overprotective environmentB2informalbritish

   A situation where someone is excessively protected from difficulties or dangers.

   Superproteção

   • He was raised in a cotton wool environment and never faced real challenges.
   • Parents should not wrap their children in cotton wool.
   • The company kept its employees in cotton wool, avoiding any criticism.