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New Zealand cotton

New Zealand cotton

8.0
A soft fiber from the inner bark of a New Zealand tree used like cotton
  • noun
  • New Zealand
translation icon : algodón de Nueva Zelanda
  • The fabric was made using New Zealand cotton instead of traditional cotton.

Examples

  • The new summer collection features dresses made from New Zealand cotton, praised for its breathability.

  • Some textile manufacturers value New Zealand cotton for its silky texture.

  • Researchers are testing the durability of New Zealand cotton in various applications.

  • The fabric is made from New Zealand cotton.

  • Many designers prefer New Zealand cotton for its softness.

  • Textile experts are exploring the unique qualities of New Zealand cotton compared to other fibers.

  • Consumers appreciate the eco-friendliness of products made with New Zealand cotton due to its sustainable sourcing.

Synonyms

bast fiber
vsNew Zealand cotton
  • Specialized
8.8

A strong plant fiber from the inner stem used to make rope or cloth

is a single plant fiber from one tree resembling ordinary soft textile fiber

Surface Forms

Morphology

New + Zealand + cotton

The noun phrase is compositionally built from the place-name 'New Zealand' plus the noun 'cotton', so a learner who knows those constituents will infer it denotes a cotton (or cotton-like) fibre associated with New Zealand. The specialized botanical fact that it is bast fibre rather than true Gossypium cotton is technical and does not prevent a B1 learner from deriving the basic meaning, so the item is transparent.

Etymology

The noun New Zealand cotton comes from the soft fibers taken from the bark of ribbonwood trees in New Zealand. Because these silky fibers looked and felt like ordinary cotton, people called them New Zealand cotton, which is why the name means a 'cotton-like' fiber.