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

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

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

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

It will be combed out at the mill as noil.

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

The lower grade noil is sold to carpet manufacturers and various users of low grade stuff.

From Practical Angora Goat Raising by