Fiber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fiber

[หˆfaษชbษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dietary

Fiber refers to the indigestible part of plant foods that travels through the digestive system, absorbing water along the way and easing bowel movements. It is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system and preventing constipation.

Synonyms

bulk, roughage.

Examples of usage

  • Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber.
  • Eating fiber-rich foods can help lower cholesterol levels.
  • Increasing fiber intake can promote weight loss.
Context #2 | Noun

textile

Fiber is a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed.

Synonyms

filament, thread.

Examples of usage

  • Cotton and wool are commonly used fibers in the textile industry.
  • Synthetic fibers like polyester are also widely used in clothing production.
Context #3 | Noun

optics

In optics, fiber refers to a flexible, transparent fiber made of glass or plastic, used for transmitting light between the two ends of the fiber.

Synonyms

light guide, optical fiber.

Examples of usage

  • Optical fibers are used in telecommunications for high-speed data transmission.
  • Fiber optic cables are known for their high bandwidth and low attenuation.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Health & Nutrition

  • High-fiber diets have been linked to lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
  • There are two types of fiber: soluble, which dissolves in water, and insoluble, which does not โ€“ both are important for a balanced diet.
  • Fiber slows down digestion, helping to keep you full longer and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'Got Fiber?' became popular in health campaigns promoting high-fiber foods.
  • Breakfast cereals often boast high fiber content, making them a common choice for health-conscious consumers.
  • In popular cooking shows, chefs frequently highlight fiber-rich ingredients for nutritious meal preparation.

Science

  • Fiber is essential for the gut microbiome, acting as food for beneficial bacteria that aid digestion.
  • Research shows that a diet rich in fiber can influence weight management and gut health positively.
  • In the body, fiber can help bind to cholesterol, aiding its excretion and promoting heart health.

Literature

  • Historical texts emphasize the importance of plant-based diets, often highlighting the role of fiber in ancient cultures.
  • Many health books advocate for fiber intake and describe its benefits in ways that resonate with readers' everyday lives.
  • In children's literature, fiber-rich foods are often described using colorful illustrations to attract young readersโ€™ attention.

Origin of 'fiber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'fiber' comes from the Latin 'fibra', meaning 'a thread' or 'filament'.
  • In botanical terms, it refers to the structural components of plants, vital for their strength.
  • In Middle English, 'fiber' was used to describe any thread-like material and eventually specialized to include plant-based nutrition.

The word 'fiber' originated from the Latin word 'fibra', which means a thread or filament. The term has been used in various contexts such as dietary fiber, textile fiber, and optical fiber. Over time, the importance of fiber in maintaining a healthy diet and in various industries has been widely recognized.


See also: fibber.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,885, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.