Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

noil

[noil]
See more synonyms for noil on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a short fiber of cotton, wool, worsted, etc., separated from the long fibers in combing.
Show More

Origin of noil

First recorded in 1615–25; origin uncertain
Related formsnoil·y, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for noil

Historical Examples

  • The short fiber obtained in combing long staple wool is called "noil."

    Textiles and Clothing

    Kate Heintz Watson

  • An increased yield and better quality of top, owing to the absence of broken fiber, and consequent diminution of noil and waste.

  • Some of the noil collected by the combing process is composed of a large percentage of short mohair.

British Dictionary definitions for noil

noil

noun
  1. textiles the short or knotted fibres that are separated from the long fibres, or staple, by combing
Show More

Word Origin

C17: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012