A plug of absorbent material inserted into a wound or body opening to soak up blood or other secretions.
The term commonly refers to a vaginal tampon, used to absorb menstrual blood.
A plug of compressed gauze or cotton wool inserted into a wound or ori?ce to arrest bleeding. Also inserted into the VAGINA to absorb the ?ow of blood during MENSTRUATION. Infected tampons may cause TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME, a potentially dangerous but fortunately uncommon reaction.
n. a pack of gauze, cotton wool, or other absorbent material used to plug a cavity or canal in order to absorb blood or secretions. A vaginal tampon is commonly used by women to absorb the menstrual flow.
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