<p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>any fibrous or soft material for stuffing, padding, packing, etc., especially carded cotton in specially prepared sheets.</li><li>material used as wads for guns, cartridges, etc.</li><li>Surgery: any large dressing made of cotton or a similar absorbent material that is used to stanch the flow of blood or dress a wound.</li><li>a wad or lump.</li></ul>