fibre

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fibre Any of various materials consisting of thread-like strands. Natural fibres can be made into yarn, textiles and other products, including carpets and rope. The fibres consist of long narrow cells. Animal fibres are based on protein molecules and include wool, silk, mohair, angora, and horsehair. Vegetable fibres are based mainly on cellulose and include cotton, linen, flax, jute, sisal, and kapok. The mineral asbestos is a natural, inorganic fibre. Regenerated fibres are manufactured from natural products, modified chemically. For example, rayon is made from cellulose fibre from cotton or wood. Synthetic fibres are made from a molten or dissolved plastic resin by forcing it through fine nozzles (spinnerets). The result is a group of filaments that are wound onto bobbins. These fibres can be used as single-strand yarn, or spun to form multi-strand yarn and woven into textiles. Synthetic fibres include nylon and other polyamides, polyesters, and acrylics.

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