fiber

noun fi·ber \ ˈfī-bər \

Definition of fiber

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 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

—

fibered

play \ˈfī-bərd\ adjective

See fiber defined for English-language learners

See fiber defined for kids

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 of fiber from the Web

Lentils are increasingly used in cereals, energy bars, chips and pasta as a way to boost protein and fiber content.

— david pitt, The Seattle Times, "An odd trend in wheat country: not much wheat," 27 Aug. 2017
Per serving, without beurre blanc: 325 calories (61 percent from fat), 21 grams total fat (11 grams saturated), 106 milligrams cholesterol, 7 grams carbohydrates, 24 grams protein, 799 milligrams sodium, 2 grams dietary fiber.

— mary g. pepitone, kansascity, "Salmon dish is a delicious reminder of happy days in Paris," 22 Aug. 2017
The B-14 Hunter rifle features a molded synthetic stock made of glass fiber reinforced polymer.

— joe songer | jsonger@al.com, AL.com, "10 most popular hunting rifles in Alabama," 18 Aug. 2017
Visitors will find fine arts and handmade crafts including drawing, painting in oils, watercolors or acrylics, fibers, floral, glass, jewelry, handmade soap, metal work, photography, pottery, basketry, ceramics, sculpture and woodworking.

— The Aegis, "Havre de Grace Art Show back for 54th year Saturday, Sunday," 18 Aug. 2017
They are already hooked up to electric, water, sewer and fiber optic cables, with access to roads and routes to airports, JobsOhio says.

— chrissie thompson, Cincinnati.com, "Could Ohio win 4,000-job Toyota-Mazda plant?," 17 Aug. 2017
To feed the critters, go inside to buy some goat chow for 25 cents from the cashier, perhaps along with some alpaca fiber and dryer balls to take home, and return outside to the animal pen located in the back of the parking lot.

— vickie snow jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "Need a goat fix? Here are some places you're welcome to kid around," 16 Aug. 2017
According to Watson, the ideal stool has about 75 percent water and 25 percent bacteria and fiber.

— tehrene firman, Redbook, "12 Things Your Poop Says About Your Health," 15 Aug. 2017
Will include a new fiber Internet connection allowing for lightning-fast Internet in classrooms and hallways. •

— randall p. lieberman, Jewish Journal, "Katz Yeshiva High moving to new facility in west Boca," 2 Aug. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of fiber

Middle French fibre, from Latin fibra

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1540

See Words from the same year

fiber Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

spinelessness

Near Antonyms

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

Other Textiles Terms

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

FIBER Defined for English Language Learners

fiber

noun

Definition of fiber for English Language Learners

: plant material that cannot be digested but that helps you to digest other food
: a thin thread of natural or artificial material that can be used to make cloth, paper, etc.
: material (such as cloth) that is made from thin threads : something made of fibers