tăm bông

Mẹ dùng tăm bông để làm sạch răng cho em bé.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Cotton swab / Cotton bud: A short, slender stick, typically made of plastic or paper, with a small amount of cotton wool wrapped tightly around one or both ends. It is primarily used for personal hygiene, first aid, or cosmetic application.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Dùng tăm bông để vệ sinh tai một cách nhẹ nhàng. (Use a cotton swab to clean your ears gently.)
  • Cô ấy dùng tăm bông để tẩy trang. (She uses a cotton bud to remove her makeup.)
  • Hãy lấy một cây tăm bông và thuốc sát trùng. (Take a cotton swab and some antiseptic.)

Advanced Usage

• "tăm bông ngoáy tai": ear swab, specifically for ear cleaning.
  • Chỉ sử dụng tăm bông ngoáy tai để làm sạch phần ngoài của tai. (Only use an ear swab to clean the outer part of the ear.)

Variants and Related Words

• Bông ngoáy tai (n): A common synonym for "tăm bông," literally meaning "ear-swabbing cotton."
  • Mua một gói bông ngoáy tai. (Buy a pack of cotton swabs.)

Synonyms

• Cotton swab: The most common general term.
• Cotton bud: Common term, especially in British English.
• Q-tip: A widely recognized brand name often used generically.

Notes on Usage

• Medical professionals often advise against inserting "tăm bông" deep into the ear canal, as it can push wax further in or cause injury. They are considered safe for external cleaning and application purposes.
• The term is a compound of "tăm" (toothpick) and "bông" (cotton), reflecting its structure—a stick with cotton.