merino
[ muh-ree-noh ]
/ məˈri noʊ /
noun, plural me·ri·nos.
(often initial capital letter) one of a breed of sheep, raised originally in Spain, valued for their fine wool.
wool from such sheep.
a yarn or fabric made from this wool.
adjective
made of merino wool, yarn, or cloth.
Nearby words
meridional aberration, merilee, merina, mering, meringue, merino, merionethshire, merisis, merism, meristem, meristematic
Origin of merino
1775–85; < Spanish < Arabic (banū) marīn a Berber tribe known for raising this breed
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Examples from the Web for merino
British Dictionary definitions for merino
merino
/ (məˈriːnəʊ) /
noun plural -nos
a breed of sheep, originating in Spain, bred for their fleece
the long fine wool of this sheep
the yarn made from this wool, often mixed with cotton
pure merino Australian informal
- history a free settler rather than a convict
- an affluent and socially prominent person
- (as modifier)a pure merino cricketer
adjective
made from merino wool
Word Origin for merino
C18: from Spanish, origin uncertain
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for merino
merino
fine-wool breed of sheep, 1781, from Spanish merino, possibly from Arabic Merini, a Berber family or tribe of sheep farmers in northwest Africa whose animals were imported into Spain 14c.-15c. to improve local breeds. Or from or influenced by Latin majorinus, from major "greater," either in reference to size of the animals or from Spanish derivative merino (n.) "overseer of cattle pastures," also a title of judicial officers. Applied from early 19c. to the wool itself and to various articles made from it.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper