Definition

A soft, silky fiber that comes from the fruit of the silk-cotton tree, often used for filling in pillows, mattresses, and life jackets.

Example

The life jacket was filled with kapok to keep it buoyant in the water.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of kapok?

Yeah, I think it's that fluffy stuff from the silk-cotton tree, right?

Exactly! It's often used in pillows and mattresses.

I read it's really good for insulation too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Kapok originates from the Malay word 'kapuk', meaning cotton or a type of fiber. It refers specifically to the silky fiber obtained from the seed pods of the kapok tree, used for insulation and stuffing.

Memory Tip

Think of the Malay word 'kapuk' which means cotton, helping you remember that kapok is a soft fiber used for stuffing.

Visually Confused Words