noun
cotton swab; Q-tip
A small stick with cotton on both ends, used for cleaning ears or applying makeup.
赤ちゃんの耳掃除に綿棒を使う。
I use a cotton swab to clean the baby's ears.
耳かき is a traditional ear pick, usually made of bamboo or metal, while 綿棒 is a disposable cotton swab.
Compound of 綿 (cotton) and 棒 (stick, rod).