Tupfer

Tupfer is a German noun that denotes a small pad or swab made of absorbent material, typically used to apply liquids or to clean surfaces. Common examples include cotton swabs and cotton pads, though the term can refer to any disposable or reusable tuft of fibers used for dabbing or wiping. In medical and laboratory settings, Tupfer are used to apply antiseptics, to collect samples, or to transfer small amounts of liquid. In cosmetics, Tupfer pads are used to apply makeup, remove products, or apply lotions. In household contexts, they serve for cleaning, polishing, or applying cleaning agents to tight spots.

Tupfer come in various sizes, materials, and textures, including cotton, synthetic fibers, and foam. They function as generic implements within a family of related tools rather than a single standardized item. The word is common in German-speaking areas and appears in product labels and everyday speech.