Fiber
/ˈfaɪ.bɚ/noun
A slender threadlike structure or a material made of such threads; also, a basic structural unit in plants, animals, or textiles.
Did you know?Fiber ultimately comes from the same ancient root as words for weaving and thread, tying it to the deep history of human craft, clothing, and the symbolic power of spun thread.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰey-
“to split, separate”
Latin
Latin
fibra
“a fiber, filament, or small strand”
Late Latin
Latin
fibra
“a fiber or threadlike part”
Old French
Old French
fibre
“fiber, threadlike strand”
Middle English
English
fibre
“a filament or threadlike substance”
Modern English
English
fiber
“a slender threadlike structure or material”