Definition of cotton swab

The term "cotton swab" refers to a small, narrow tool traditionally made of cotton attached to a small stick, typically intended for cleaning or removing substances from hard-to-reach areas. The origins of coton swabs can be traced back to the late 19th century, when resident surgeon of the Berlin School of Medicine, Siegfried Klein, conceptualized the idea. Klein developed a device called an auroscope applicator, consisting of a narrow tube covered in absorbent material to help physicians more safely and easily examine a patient's ears. However, the applicators were difficult to manufacture, and their high cost made them inaccessible for general use. In 1923, German doctors proposed using cotton swabs instead, as they were easy to produce and economical. The cotton swab as we know it today became widely popular in the 1930s, with the widespread availability of manufactured items and the introduction of cellulose acetate, a synthetic fiber, which replaced the original flax and hemp used for cotton swabs. Although still widely utilized, some controversy has arisen around the use of cotton swabs due to the potential for ear damage caused by insertion in the ear canal, which can lead to earwax impaction and even perforation of the eardrum.