tampon

[ tam-pon ]
/ ˈtæm pɒn /

noun

a plug of cotton or the like for insertion into an orifice, wound, etc., chiefly for absorbing blood or stopping hemorrhages.
such a plug used for absorbing menstrual flow, especially one that is manufactured commercially.
a two-headed drumstick for playing rolls.

verb (used with object)

to fill or plug with a tampon.

Origin of tampon

From French, dating back to 1855–60; see origin at tampion

Example sentences from the Web for tampon

  • Feeling that we should shortly get the order to advance, I resolved to secure some souvenir of Tampon, as we called him.

    Mated from the Morgue |John Augustus O'Shea

British Dictionary definitions for tampon

tampon
/ (ˈtæmpɒn) /

noun

a plug of lint, cotton wool, cotton, etc, inserted into an open wound or body cavity to stop the flow of blood, absorb secretions, etc, esp one inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood

verb

(tr) to plug (a wound, etc) with a tampon

Derived forms of tampon

tamponage, noun

Word Origin for tampon

C19: via French from Old French tapon a little plug, from tape a plug, of Germanic origin

Medical definitions for tampon

tampon
[ tămpŏn′ ]

n.

A plug of absorbent material inserted into a body cavity or wound to check a flow of blood or to absorb secretions, especially one designed for insertion into the vagina during menstruation.

v.

To plug or stop with a tampon.