There are two broad categories
(a) fuzzy motes, The largest of this type of mote consists of whole aborted or immature seed with fuzz fibres and sometimes also with very short lint fibres, the development of which has ceased at a very early stage. Small fuzzy motes originate as either undeveloped or fully grown seeds, which are broken in ginning and disintegrate still further in the opening, cleaning and carding processes.
(b) bearded needles. A piece of seed coat with fairy long lint fibres attached.
Note 1: Both classes of mote become entangled with the lint cotton and, when they are present in quantity, their complete elimination is impossible except by combing.
Note 2: Fuzzy and bearded motes carrying only a small piece of barely visible seed-coat are frequently termed seed-coat neps.
see also mature cotton, immature cotton
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