Q-tip

English

Etymology

Genericization from the brand name coined (and registered as the trademark "Q-TIPS") by Unilever; see tip. Q stands for quality.

Alternative forms

• q-tip

Noun

Q-tip (plural Q-tips)

1. Trademark for a cotton swab consisting of short, thin, flexible plastic rods with a swab of cotton wool (UK)/cotton (US) at each end; they are typically used for cleaning the ears and other hard-to-reach places.

Synonyms

• cotton wool bud (UK)

Translations

type of cotton swab — see cotton swab

See also

• Wikipedia article on Q-tips