cotton

cot•ton

[[t]ˈkɒt n[/t]] n.

1) bot a soft, white, downy substance consisting of the hairs or fibers attached to the seeds of plants belonging to the genus Gossypium, of the mallow family, used in making fabrics, thread, wadding, etc

2) pln the plant itself, having spreading branches and broad, lobed leaves

3) pln such plants collectively as a cultivated crop

4) tex cloth, thread, a garment, etc., of cotton

5) bot any soft, downy substance resembling cotton, but growing on other plants

6) inf Informal. to get on well together; agree

7) Obs. to prosper or succeed

8) phv cotton to or on to, Informal

a) to become fond of; begin to like

b) to approve of; agree with:

to cotton to a suggestion[/ex]

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME coton < OF < early It cotone < Ar quṭun, var. of qutn