noil

American  

[noil] / nɔɪl /

noun

1. a short fiber of cotton, wool, worsted, etc., separated from the long fibers in combing.

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noil British  

/ nɔɪl /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• noily adjective

Etymology

Origin of noil

First recorded in 1615–25; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

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

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 586, March 26, 1887 by Various

The longer fibers, or tops as they are now called, to distinguish them from the noil, or short fibers, are collected and are again passed through a second comb.

From Practical Angora Goat Raising by

If this hair were to be offered to a manufacturer, he would class it as noil, and refer it to a carpet manufacturer, who would possibly pay ten or twelve cents a pound for it.

From Practical Angora Goat Raising by

This noil has a considerable value and is sometimes carded.

From Practical Angora Goat Raising by

There was a good deal of waste in this combing, that is, large clumps of tangled wool called noil were combed out.

From Home Life in Colonial Days by Earle, Alice Morse