kleenex
Noun: 1. A piece of soft, absorbent paper used as a disposable handkerchief: Kleenex is a brand name for a type of facial tissue. It is commonly used to blow one's nose, wipe away tears, or remove makeup.
The word "Kleenex" is a proprietary eponym or generic trademark. While it is a specific brand, it is often used generically to refer to any soft, disposable paper tissue. * It is typically used as a countable noun (e.g., "a Kleenex," "two Kleenexes"). * It can also be used as an uncountable noun to refer to the material or product in general (e.g., "Do you have any Kleenex?").
- Noun:
- She reached for a Kleenex to wipe her eyes during the sad movie.
- Could you please pass the box of Kleenex?
- I always keep a pack of Kleenex in my car.
- "Kleenex" as a generic term: In informal English, "Kleenex" is frequently used to mean any facial tissue, regardless of the actual brand (e.g., Puffs, Scotties). This usage is so common that it is widely understood, though it is technically a brand name.
- I need a tissue. Do you have a Kleenex? (The speaker is asking for any tissue, not necessarily the Kleenex® brand.)
- Tissue (n): The generic, non-brand-specific term for a piece of soft, thin paper used as a handkerchief. (e.g., ).
- Facial tissue (n): A more formal term for the product category.
- Handkerchief (n): A small square of cloth used for the same purposes, but not disposable.
- Tissue
- Facial tissue
- Disposable handkerchief
The primary meaning is the branded product. Its secondary, informal meaning is any facial tissue. It does not refer to other paper products like toilet paper or paper towels.
- a piece of soft absorbent paper (usually two or more thin layers) used as a disposable handkerchief