animal fibre
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - A natural textile fiber obtained from animals: "Animal fibre" refers to any hair, fur, wool, or secretion produced by an animal that is used to make yarn, textiles, or fabrics. These fibers are primarily composed of proteins like keratin or fibroin.
Usage and Examples
As a material source:
- She prefers clothing made from animal fibre like wool or cashmere.
- Silk is a luxurious animal fibre produced by silkworms.
In contrast to plant-based materials:
- The carpet is a blend of synthetic material and animal fibre.
- Traditional brushes were often made from animal fibre.
Advanced Usage
- In technical or industrial contexts: The term is used to categorize and discuss the properties, sourcing, and processing of natural fibers in textiles and manufacturing.
- The study compared the tensile strength of various animal fibres.
Variants and Related Words
- Animal fiber: The American English spelling variant.
- Wool: A common type of animal fibre from sheep.
- Silk: An animal fibre from silkworm cocoons.
- Mohair: An animal fibre from angora goats.
- Cashmere: An animal fibre from cashmere goats.
- Angora: An animal fibre from angora rabbits.
Synonyms
- Protein fiber: A more technical synonym emphasizing the chemical composition.
- Natural animal fiber: A more descriptive synonym.
Notes on Meaning
This term specifically denotes the fibrous material itself, not the final fabric or product. It is a category within the broader classification of natural fibers, distinct from plant (cellulosic) fibres like cotton or linen, and mineral fibres like asbestos.