Cotton

:For information on the cotton plant, see cotton plant.

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:For the British band leader and entertainer, see Billy Cotton.

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Cotton is a soft fibre that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant, a shrub native to the tropical and subtropical regions of both the Old World and the New World. The fibre is most often spun into thread and used to make a soft, breathable textile.

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Cotton is a valuable crop because only about 10% of the raw weight is lost in processing. Once traces of wax, protein, etc. are removed, the remainder is a natural polymer of pure cellulose. This cellulose is arranged in a way that gives cotton unique properties of strength, durability, and absorbency. Each fibre is made up of twenty to thirty layers of cellulose coiled in a neat series of natural springs. When the cotton boll (seed case) is opened the fibres dry into flat, twisted, ribbon-like shapes and become kinked together and interlocked. This interlocked form is ideal for spinning into a fine yarn.

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Fibre: REDIRECT Fiber...

Cotton plant: :For information on the history and uses of cotton fibre, see cotton....

Shrub: :"Shrub" is also a derogatory nickname for United States President George W Bush....

Cotton related Images and Photos (experimental)

Cotton Club	Cotton Club	Cotton Club	Cotton Charm
Cotton Poppy	Cotton Mather	Cotton Pickers	Cotton Camellia
Cotton Mary DVD (Widescreen)	Sunset Cotton	Picking Cotton	SeV Cotton Hoodie