mohair
UK[ˈməʊ.heər]US[ˈmoʊ.her]
n
the long, soft, silky hair of the angora goat.
n
a yarn or fabric made from this hair, or a similar fabric made from wool and cotton.
Etymology
the word 'mohair' entered english in the late 16th century from the arabic term 'mukhayyar,' meaning 'choice' or 'select,' a reference to the fine quality of the fabric. this arabic word is a past participle from 'khayyara,' meaning 'to choose.' it passed into medieval italian and spanish as 'mocaiarro' and 'mocayar' respectively, before arriving in english. the term's journey reflects the historical trade routes of luxury textiles, where the name for the prized fabric became detached from its literal meaning of 'choice' and attached specifically to the product itself—the hair of the angora goat and the cloth woven from it.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single, unsegmentable unit into english.
Examples
her winter coat was made from a luxurious, warm mohair.
the artisan spun the soft mohair into a delicate yarn.
this sweater is a blend of wool and mohair for added softness.