fiber

noun

fi·​ber ˈfī-bər How to pronounce fiber (audio)
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 adjective

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 Dietary factors that promote inflammation and affect gut health, such as low fiber intake, can additionally influence the risk. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Mar. 2024 The permethrin spray bonds to fabric fibers for up to 6 weeks or through 6 washings without staining or damaging clothing, fabrics, plastics, or outdoor gear. Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024 Cole will then do the final wraps with jute and the only non-sustainable material on the entire board: a volan cloth, which is fiber glass often used for boards. Drew Dawson, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024 Her favorite is guacamole because of the healthy fats, potassium and fiber from the avocado. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2024 Modern services like fiber and wireless are faster and more reliable — especially when climate disasters strike. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2024 These may also have added sugar and refined carbs, which lack fiber and nutrients. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2024 Before a workout, choose carbohydrates that are low in fiber and easy to digest. Rebecca Jaspan, Mph, Health, 5 Mar. 2024 Oats have been linked to preventing cardiovascular diseases, bulgur is high in fiber and quinoa is a safe grain for people with Celiac Disease. Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fiber.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle French fibre, from Latin fibra

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fiber was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near fiber

Cite this Entry

“Fiber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiber. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fiber

noun
fi·​ber ˈfī-bər How to pronounce fiber (audio)
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
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on fiber

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