Definition

1. Adjective: Having relatively long fibers. This term is primarily used to describe types of cotton or other materials where the length of the individual fibers is a key characteristic of quality.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Long-staple cotton is preferred for making high-quality, soft bed linens.
  • The shirt is made from a luxurious long-staple fabric that resists pilling.

Advanced Usage

• The term is most commonly used in the textile and agricultural industries to classify and grade natural fibers, especially cotton. Longer staples generally indicate a stronger, finer, and more durable yarn.

Variants and Related Words

• Staple length (noun phrase): The average length of a group of fibers. This is the key measurement that defines whether a fiber is considered short, medium, or long-staple.
• Extra-long staple (ELS) (adjective phrase): A classification for fibers, like Pima or Egyptian cotton, with even longer and finer fibers than standard long-staple cotton.

Synonyms

• Long-fibered: Having long fibers. (A more general synonym not specific to cotton).

Antonyms

• Short-staple: Having relatively short fibers.
• Medium-staple: Having fibers of intermediate length.

Adjective

1. having relatively long fibers
   • long-staple cotton