Definition

Natural fibre (noun): A type of fiber that is derived from plants or animals, as opposed to being synthetically manufactured. These fibers are valued for their breathability, comfort, and often, their sustainability.

Usage

The term "natural fibre" is used to categorize and describe materials based on their biological origin. It is commonly used in contexts such as textiles, fashion, manufacturing, and sustainability discussions. * It is often used in contrast to "synthetic fibre" (e.g., polyester, nylon). * It can be modified by adjectives specifying the source (e.g., plant-based natural fibre, animal-derived natural fibre).

Examples

• Cotton is a popular natural fibre used in making t-shirts and bed linens.
• For eco-friendly packaging, many companies are switching to materials made from natural fibres like hemp or jute.
• The sweater is made from a blend of wool, a natural fibre, and acrylic for durability.
• When comparing fabrics, natural fibres such as silk and linen are often more breathable than synthetic alternatives.

Advanced Usage

• "Natural fibre composite": Refers to a material made by combining natural fibres (like flax or sisal) with a polymer matrix, used in automotive and construction industries for lightweight, strong parts.
• The phrase can be used attributively (functioning as an adjective) before another noun.
  • Example: The market for natural fibre textiles is growing rapidly.

Variants and Related Words

• Natural fiber (noun): The American English spelling variant.
• Plant fibre (noun): A subset of natural fibres specifically from plants (e.g., cotton, flax, bamboo).
• Animal fibre (noun): A subset of natural fibres specifically from animals (e.g., wool, silk, mohair).
• Bast fibre (noun): A specific type of plant fibre from the stems of plants like flax (linen) and hemp.

Synonyms

• Biological fibre (noun): Emphasizes the biological origin.
• Organic fibre (noun): Often used, especially when the source is grown without synthetic pesticides, though this meaning overlaps with certified organic standards.

Related Phrases

• "Source of natural fibre": Refers to the plant or animal from which the fibre is obtained.
  • Example: The flax plant is a primary source of natural fibre for linen production.
• "Renewable resource": A common descriptor for natural fibres, highlighting their sustainable aspect as they can be regrown or replenished.

Noun

1. fiber derived from plants or animals