SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

aramid

noun ar·a·mid \ ˈa-rə-məd , -ˌmid , ˈer-ə- \

Definition of aramid

: any of a group of lightweight but very strong heat-resistant synthetic aromatic polyamide materials that are fashioned into fibers, filaments, or sheets and used especially in textiles and plastics

See aramid defined for kids

Recent Examples of aramid from the Web

The Pitaka Minimalist iPhone X Case has a simple pattern on its black exterior, and it’s made of aramid fiber for durability and top-notch protection against drops and scratches.

— camryn rabideau, USA TODAY, "The 10 best cases for your new iPhone X," 3 Nov. 2017
Carbon aramid epoxy composite in the chassis yields an ultrafast Formula One racer that weighs less than 1,400 pounds.

— wired staff, WIRED, "Superfibers Loom Large," 1 Apr. 2005
Riggers have been splicing lines of aramid fibers and rebuilding winches under headlamps in Jersey City while the sailors rest each night.

— chris museler, New York Times, "Testing on the Water in America’s Cup," 5 May 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aramid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of aramid

aromatic polyamide

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1972

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Learn More about aramid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aramid

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up aramid? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

WORD OF THE DAY

loath

play

unwilling or reluctant

BROWSE DICTIONARY

aramayoite

arame

aramid

aramina

araña

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

alt-5ade0f1ca7a0c

'Complement' vs. 'Compliment'

The distinction is clear (now).

Words from Letters in the Greek Alphabet

When English borrows from another alphabet

alt-5ada140ed3e28

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

alt-5ad8fc71357ed

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

No, it's not a coiffure trend

Ask the Editors

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

How we chose 'feminism'

video-title-words-of-the-year-1066

Words of the Year: 1066

Or, Why Pig Meat is Called 'Pork' and Cow Meat is Called 'Beef'

video-literally

Literally

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

video-his-or-her

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

The awkward case of 'his or her'

Word Games

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Test your knowledge of strange human behaviors.

Take the quiz

cats-on-impossible-timber

More Confusing Words—Quiz

How many of these commonly confused words do you know?

Take the quiz

Name That Thing

Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

Take the quiz

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Word Winder's CrossWinder

A game of winding words.

Play the game