kapok

plural kapoks · alternative capoc · alternative kapoc

1. countableuncountableA silky fibre obtained from seed pods of the silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra) used for insulation and stuffing for mattresses, pillows, etc.

   A still summer night a world away in a house that smells of cactus and dust and musty kapok.

   2014 [1993], Tim Winton, Land's Edge, Picador, page 15

   2 more examples

   The moon came out of hiding and for a moment Jerry forgot his anxiety as a little grey-clad figure, small and sturdy [...], in a kapok coat and bulging proletarian cap, lowered himself over the side and leapt for the waiting arms of the sampan's crew.

   1977, John Le Carré, The Honourable Schoolboy, Folio Society, published 2010, page 492

   You can stuff them full of kapok to make a decent cushion and there is nothing better to carry frogs in.

   1985, Peter Carey, Illywhacker, Faber & Faber, published 2003, page 39

   Synonyms: mumian

2. countableuncountableA silk-cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra).

   Synonyms: kapok tree, mapou, mumian

3. countableuncountableA cotton tree, Malabar silk-cotton tree, or red silk-cotton tree (Bombax ceiba).

   Synonyms: kapok tree