What is "cotton lint"?

Cotton lint refers specifically to the fiber that is harvested from the cotton boll, which is the protective casing that surrounds the cotton seeds. In the cotton production process, after the bolls mature, they burst open to reveal the fluffy fibers, which are the cotton lint. This lint is what is ultimately processed and spun into yarn or fabric, making it a vital aspect of cotton production used in textiles.

The cotton lint is distinguished from other parts of the cotton plant, such as the seeds, leaves, and any byproducts like those used for fertilizer. While cotton seeds can be processed for oil or animal feed, and leaves do play a role in the plant's health and photosynthesis, they do not contribute to the textile industry directly as cotton lint does. By focusing on the definition of cotton lint as the fiber, the relevance and significance of this product in cotton commerce and end-use become clear.