sea-island cotton: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Yes, but on a very limited scale. Commercial production of the original variety largely died out in the early 20th century due to pests and economic changes, but similar Gossypium barbadense varieties are grown elsewhere.

Both are high-quality, extra-long-staple varieties of Gossypium barbadense. The difference is primarily geographical origin and some subtle characteristics imparted by the local growing conditions (terroir). Egyptian cotton is now more commercially prevalent.

It is named for the Sea Islands, a chain of tidal and barrier islands along the Atlantic coast of the southeastern United States, where it was historically cultivated on a large scale.

The term 'sea-island' refers to the variety, not the farming method. Historically it was not farmed organically. Modern small-scale production could be organic, but it is not an inherent quality of the term.

A high-quality, extra-long-staple cotton variety, historically grown on islands off the southeastern coast of the United States and in the Caribbean.

Sea-island cotton is usually technical/historical/commercial/luxury goods in register.

Sea-island cotton: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsiː ˌaɪlənd ˈkɒt(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsi ˌaɪlənd ˈkɑːt(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.