Fiber - Definition and Overview

For the meaning of fiber in nutrition, see dietary fiber.

For the use of fiber in computer science and operating systems, see thread (computer science).

For the use of fiber in computer networks and telecommunications, see optical fiber.

Fiber (American English) or fibre (International English) consists of elongated stringy natural, man-made or manufactured material. In the case of natural fibers, they often tie together the parts of natural creatures.

• Natural vegetable fibers generally comprise cellulose: examples include cotton, linen, and hemp. Cellulose fibers serve in the manufacture of paper and cloth. Natural animal fibers include spider silk, sinew, hair, and wool. Naturally occurring mineral fibers include asbestos.
• Man-made fibers include those made artificially, but from from natural raw materials (often cellulosic). Examples include fiberglass, rayon, acetate, cupro, and the more recently developed Lyocell.

See also

• textile
• wood fibre
• fiber crop
• optical fiber