fiber

noun

fi·​ber ˈfī-bər 

1

: a thread or a structure or object resembling a thread: such 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 (such as legumes, whole grains, and vegetables) that stimulates the intestine to peristalsis and promotes elimination of waste from the large intestine : bulk, roughage

dietary fiber

trying to get more fiber in her diet

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

fibered

ˈfī-bərd 

adjective

Synonyms

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

Examples of fiber in a Sentence

It's important to get enough fiber in your diet.

What foods do you recommend as good sources of fiber?

foods that are high in fiber

The fabric is made from a mix of synthetic fibers.

The natural fibers allow the fabric to breathe.

The paper is made from both cotton and wood fiber.

Nylon is a very strong man-made fiber.

The police examined hair and bits of fiber found in the victim's car.

Recent Examples on the Web

And among those, practitioners who focus on additive behaviors, such as eating more fiber or vegetables, rather than food restriction, are far more likely to have your health (and not your clicks) in mind. —Desiree Nielsen, Bon Appétit, 26 Apr. 2024

Each one has gray and white fibers that help trap debris, as well as an inner layer of sponge that absorbs liquids and spills, along with another layer of short, sturdy strings to scrub set-in stains. —Nicol Natale, Peoplemag, 25 Apr. 2024

After a lot of evolution and adding body diversity, ethnic diversity, different skin tones, eye color, hair fiber, physical abilities to the line today, Barbie is the most inclusive and diverse doll line in the world. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024

The 55-piece collection also includes mixed-metal accessories, such as chunky chain necklaces, link bracelets, chain earrings and belts; oversized and mini tote bags in natural woven fibers and silk; and leather heels and sandals in black and brown. —Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Apr. 2024

The annual production of plastic, including polymer resins and fibers, increased from 2 million tons in 1950 to 459.75 million tons in 2019, according to Our World in Data, based on a 2023 paper about plastic production published in the journal Science Advances. —USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024

As a result, this flour is higher in fiber than tapioca and generally considered to be healthier and more nutrient-dense. —Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2024

The main difference between eating a piece of fruit and drinking fruit juice is that the latter usually removes the fruit's fiber, which is what helps slow down the body's blood sugar response, Sharp notes. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

Eating too much fiber can aggravate symptoms of Crohn's disease.2 Find examples below from various food groups to add to your diet if you've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. —Toby Amidor, Rd, Health, 14 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French fibre, from Latin fibra

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fiber

• acrylic fiber
• bast fiber
• carbon fiber
• elastic fiber
• fiber-optic
• fiber optics
• glass fiber
• inter-fiber
• modacrylic fiber
• nerve fiber
• optical fiber
• Purkinje fiber
• vulcanized fiber
• with every fiber of one's being

Kids Definition

fiber

noun

fi·​ber ˈfī-bər 

1

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

a

: a slender root (as of a grass)

b

: a long tapering thick-walled plant cell especially of vascular tissue

c

: a muscle cell

d

: axon, dendrite

e

: a slender and very long natural or synthetic unit of material (as wool, cotton, asbestos, gold, glass, or rayon) usually able to be spun into yarn

f

: mostly indigestible material in food that stimulates the intestine to move its contents along

called also bulk, roughage

2

: material made of fibers

3

: basic toughness : strength

moral fiber

Medical Definition

fiber

noun

fi·​ber

variants or chiefly British fibre

ˈfī-bər 

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