fiber

noun fi·ber \ ˈfī-bər \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

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

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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

Better yet is that the comforter is made with hypoallergenic fibers that can minimize the the chance you'll be exposed to potentially irritating materials.

— banu ibrahim, CNN Underscored, "Five products you'll swear by this allergy season," 13 Apr. 2018
Quintillion has had much larger ambitions for the fiber-optic project, connecting Asia to Europe with lines extending across Alaska.

— alex demarban, Anchorage Daily News, "Former CEO of Alaska fiber-optic project faces federal fraud charge," 13 Apr. 2018
Improvements will include resurfaced roadway, guardrails, sidewalks, drainage changes, Intelligent Transportation System and fiber-optic installation, lighting, signage and other features.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "CRIME," 12 Apr. 2018
Per serving: 340 calories, 23 grams fat, 12 grams saturated fat, 360 mg sodium, 31 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams fiber, 7 grams sugar, 13 grams protein.

— molly kimball, NOLA.com, "Build a better (for you) grilled cheese with gluten-free, vegan recipe, too," 10 Apr. 2018
The living room also has a wall-sized, fiber-optic art piece, illuminated by a skylight, that displays a stylized city skyline, airplane and fireworks.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Gardenburger founder's fabled Art Deco house sells; rent it on AirBnB (photos)," 9 Apr. 2018
Since there’s nothing worse than a brush that pokes your face and makes the otherwise simple task of applying powder a dreadful one, & Other Stories made them with soft synthetic fibers that also won’t leave stray bristles behind.

— shannon barbour, The Cut, "& Other Stories Is Now Selling Makeup Brushes," 28 Mar. 2018
Starbucks paper cups currently are made with 10% post-consumer recycled fiber, according to the company.

— zlati meyer, USA TODAY, "Starbucks wants to make a eco-friendly coffee cup," 20 Mar. 2018
Per serving: 530 calories, 20 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 135 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 52 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams dietary fiber, 5 grams sugar, and 30 grams protein.

— atlanta life, ajc, "Basic meatball mixture delivers comfort in 30 minutes," 14 Mar. 2018

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

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