WordGarden.iofiber
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈaɪbə/
US
- /ˈfaɪbər/
Meanings
Noun
a thin threadlike strand used in or forming a material
indigestible plant matter in food that helps digestion
a slender threadlike structure in living tissue
More meaningsFewer meanings
fiber-optic cable or internet service carried by it
strength or quality of character
Beyond the definition
Fiber can mean several related things, and they all connect to the idea of long, thin strands. In nature, it refers to the thread-like parts found in plants and animals, such as cotton, wood, or muscle tissue. People use these natural fibers to make cloth, rope, paper, and other useful materials. In food, dietary fiber is the part of plant-based foods that your body does not fully digest, and it helps support healthy digestion. The word is also used for very thin strands of glass or plastic that carry light and data in communication systems. In another sense, "moral fiber" means inner strength and good character.
Imagine something made of many long, thin strands working together. That picture captures the basic idea of fiber. In biology and everyday materials, fiber refers to thread-like parts found in plants and animals. Wood contains cellulose fibers, cotton is made of soft plant fibers, and muscles contain fibers that help the body move. Because these strands can be strong, flexible, or soft, people have long used them to make clothing, rope, paper, and other materials.
The meaning also appears in nutrition. Dietary fiber is the part of plant foods that the body does not fully digest. It is found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. It helps digestion, can help control blood sugar, and often helps people feel full longer. This is why doctors and nutrition guides often tell people to eat more fiber-rich foods.
The word also reaches into technology and human character. Optical fiber means very thin strands of glass or plastic that carry light signals, allowing fast communication over long distances. This is the idea behind fiber-optic internet. In a more figurative sense, "moral fiber" describes a person's inner strength, honesty, and ability to do the right thing. Whether it appears in plants, food, machines, or character, fiber always suggests something slender, strong, and important.
Examples
- 1
Diet advice
My doctor told me to add more fiber to my diet.
- 2
Nutrition
This cereal is high in fiber, so it keeps me full longer.
- 3
Natural materials
Natural fibers like cotton and wool are comfortable in hot weather.
- 4
Carbon material
The bike frame is made of carbon fiber, so it's very light.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Internet infrastructure
The company is installing fiber-optic cable across the city.
- Phrasefiber-optic
using very thin glass or plastic threads to carry data
- 6
Character
She showed a lot of moral fiber when she took responsibility for the mistake.
- Phrasemoral fiber
strong, honest character
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fibernoun
Forms
- fiberspluralnoun