Fibre: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is commonly used in the context of nutrition and dietary science. It refers to the parts of plant-based foods that the body can't digest, which help in maintaining a healthy digestive system.

• Eating foods high in fibre can help prevent constipation
• Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of dietary fibre

This term is used in a similar context as 'fibre' but is a bit more informal. It typically describes the fibrous indigestible components of fruits and vegetables that aid in bowel function.

• Eating more roughage can help with digestion and give you a feeling of fullness
• Doctors often recommend increasing roughage intake to alleviate constipation

This word can be used to describe the overall size or volume of something, but in the context of nutrition, it often refers to the components of food that add volume and help in the movement of food through the digestive system.

• Foods high in bulk help you feel full and satisfied after a meal
• Adding vegetables to your diet can increase the bulk without adding a lot of calories

'Fibre' is simply the British spelling of 'fiber,' and is used in the same contexts as 'fiber' but in British English.

• Eating more fibre can improve your digestion.
• Fibre optic cables provide high-speed internet.
• The fabric is made of high-quality cotton fibres.

Use 'thread' when referring to a thin strand of material used for sewing, or metaphorically to indicate a line of thought or discourse, or a sequence of messages on the internet.

• She used a blue thread to sew the button.
• He lost the thread of his argument.
• I followed the thread on the forum to understand the issue.

Use 'filament' when talking about very thin, thread-like structures, often in the context of light bulbs, 3D printing, or scientific descriptions.

• The filament inside the light bulb is broken.
• 3D printer uses plastic filament to create objects.
• The bacterial cell has a long filament.