fiber

fi·ber

noun \ˈfī-bər\

Definition of FIBER

1

: a thread or a structure or object resembling a thread: as

a (1) : a slender root (as of a grass) (2) : an elongated tapering thick-walled plant cell void at maturity that imparts elasticity, flexibility, and tensile strength

b (1) : a strand of nerve tissue : axon, dendrite (2) : one of the filaments composing most of the intercellular matrix of connective tissue (3) : one of the elongated contractile cells of muscle tissue

c : a slender and greatly elongated natural or synthetic filament (as of wool, cotton, asbestos, gold, glass, or rayon) typically capable of being spun into yarn

d : mostly indigestible material in food that stimulates the intestine to peristalsis —called also bulk, roughage

2

: material made of fibers; especially : vulcanized fiber

3

a : an element that gives texture or substance

b : basic toughness : strength, fortitude

c : essential structure or character <the very fiber of a person's being>

— fi·bered \-bərd\ adjective

Examples of FIBER

1. It's important to get enough fiber in your diet.
2. What foods do you recommend as good sources of fiber?
3. foods that are high in fiber
4. The fabric is made from a mix of synthetic fibers.
5. The natural fibers allow the fabric to breathe.
6. The paper is made from both cotton and wood fiber.
7. Nylon is a very strong man-made fiber.
8. The police examined hair and bits of fiber found in the victim's car.

Origin of FIBER

Middle French fibre, from Latin fibra

First Known Use: 1540

Related to FIBER

Synonyms

backbone, constancy, fortitude, grit, grittiness, guts, intestinal fortitude, pluck, spunk

Antonyms

spinelessness

Related Words

determination, purposefulness, resoluteness, resolution; bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valor; endurance, forbearance, stamina, sufferance, tolerance; heart, mettle, spirit; audacity, boldness, brass, cheek, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), effrontery, gall, hardihood, nerve, nerviness, temerity

Near Antonyms

indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, vacillation; cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, faintheartedness, pusillanimity, timidity, timorousness

Other Textiles Terms

batt, bias, brocade, duck, flock, lawn, toile

Rhymes with FIBER

briber, giber, scriber, Tiber

fi·ber

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FIBER

1

: a thread or a threadlike structure or object: as a : a strand of nerve tissue : axon, dendrite b : one of the filaments composing most of the intercellular matrix of connective tissue c : one of the elongated contractile cells of muscle tissue

2

: mostly indigestible material in food that stimulates the intestine to peristalsis—called also bulk, dietary fiber, roughage

Variants of FIBER

fi·ber or chiefly British fi·bre \ˈfī-bər\ (audio pronunciation)