microfiber
UK[ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌfaɪ.bə]US[ˈmaɪ.kroʊˌfaɪ.bər]
n
A very fine synthetic fiber, typically made from polyester or a blend, used to make fabrics that are soft, durable, and good at absorbing moisture.
n
A cloth or cleaning tool made from such a fabric, known for its ability to trap dust and dirt effectively.
Morpheme Breakdown
micro
fiber
micro
extremely small
fiber
strand
Etymology
The word 'microfiber' is a modern compound, directly constructed from established English combining forms. The first element, 'micro-', originates from the ancient Greek 'mikros', meaning small, a root that has been prolific in scientific and technical vocabulary to indicate minuteness. The second element, 'fiber', traces back to Latin 'fibra', referring to a filament or thread, likely from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning to split or fray. The compound logically describes a textile innovation: a fiber manufactured to be drastically finer than natural fibers like silk or cotton, which grants the material its distinctive soft texture and functional cleaning properties.
Analysis
Structure: micro (extremely small) + fiber (strand)
- micro: From Greek 'mikros', meaning 'small'. In English, it functions as a combining form denoting extreme smallness in scale or unit.
- fiber: From Latin 'fibra', meaning 'filament, entrails'. In English, it functions as a noun denoting a thread or strand of material.
Examples
The towels are made from a soft, absorbent microfiber.
She cleaned the glass table with a damp microfiber cloth.
This jacket uses a high-tech microfiber that is both waterproof and breathable.