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DictionarykapokSilky plant fiber
noun

kapok

KAY-pahk/ˈkeɪpɑːk/

A light silky fiber obtained from a tropical tree's seedpods.

The pillow feels soft and light with its kapok filling.

Split woody kapok pods reveal silky cream-colored fiber and dark seeds beside a loose tuft of the same fiber spilling from an unfinished cushion, linking its plant source to its use as stuffing.
Etymology
kapokMalaykapok tree

Malay kapoq names the tree that produces kapok. English extended the tree’s name to its silky fiber, the material used for stuffing and insulation.

In context

Mattress Clarity0:58
In this case, this pillow is Kapok fibers, which is a down alternative, and shredded memory foam pieces.
How To Fluff Your Pillow - Three EASY Strategies!

More examples

  • Workers collect kapok from the tree's dry seedpods.
  • The jacket uses kapok as insulation.
  • She stuffs the cushion with kapok instead of feathers.

Similar words

cotton
Cotton is another seed fiber, more commonly spun into fabric.
down
Down is soft bird plumage rather than plant fiber.