Lint: meaning, definitions and examples

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lint

 

[lɪnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

cleaning

Lint is a small piece of fluff or fuzzy material that accumulates on clothes, especially after washing and drying.

Synonyms

dust, fibers, fluff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lint

This word is commonly used to describe small, loose fibers that accumulate on clothes or fabric. It's often used in the context of laundry or fabric care.

  • I found a lot of lint in the dryer trap.
  • Use a lint roller to clean your jacket.
fluff

Typically used to describe soft, light, and puffy particles, often associated with softness or comfort. It can also be used metaphorically to describe content that is not substantial.

  • The pillow is filled with fluffy down.
  • The article was just a bunch of fluff with no real information.
dust

This is used to refer to fine, dry particles that settle on surfaces and the air. It often relates to household cleaning or allergies.

  • The shelves were covered in dust.
  • My allergies get worse when there's a lot of dust in the room.
fibers

This term is usually used in a more technical or scientific context to describe thin, thread-like structures in textiles or other materials. It can also refer to dietary fibers in food.

  • The shirt is made of synthetic fibers.
  • Make sure to include plenty of fibers in your diet.

Examples of usage

  • Be sure to clean out the lint trap in the dryer after each use.
  • She used a lint roller to remove the lint from her jacket.
  • The lint on his sweater made it look old and worn.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

In the medical field, lint refers to a soft, absorbent material used for dressing wounds.

Synonyms

dressing, gauze, padding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lint

Tiny fibers or debris that come off the edges of fabric or clothing, often used when discussing cleanliness or maintenance.

  • I need to remove the lint from my sweater before going out.
  • The dryer is full of lint and needs to be cleaned.
gauze

A thin, loosely woven fabric used in medical settings for dressing wounds or absorbing fluids.

  • He wrapped the gauze around the cut to stop the bleeding.
  • They used gauze to clean the wound.
padding

Soft material used to protect or cushion something, often used when discussing physical protection or comfort.

  • The padding in her jacket kept her warm.
  • We need to add more padding to the shipping box to protect the item.
dressing

Used in medical environments to refer to material applied to a wound to protect it.

  • The nurse changed the dressing on his wound.
  • We need more sterile dressings in the first aid kit.

Examples of usage

  • The nurse applied some lint to the wound before bandaging it.
  • The doctor used lint to clean the area before applying the bandage.
Context #3 | Verb

coding

In coding, to lint means to analyze code for potential errors or bugs.

Synonyms

analyze, check, scan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lint

Used in the context of programming, specifically to describe the process of inspecting source code for potential errors or non-conformance to coding standards.

  • Before committing your changes, make sure to lint your code.
  • Using a linting tool can help avoid common errors in your code.
analyze

Appropriate when conducting a detailed examination of data, situations, or information to understand them better or to make conclusions.

  • We need to analyze the sales data to identify trends.
  • The scientist will analyze the soil samples in the lab.
check

Used in a broad range of situations where verifying correctness, presence, or state is required; it is more general than the other terms.

  • Check if the door is locked before you leave.
  • We need to check the results of the experiment.
scan

Used when quickly looking over or through something, such as documents or systems, generally for the purpose of finding specific information.

  • He quickly scanned the document for any errors.
  • The antivirus software will scan your computer for malware.

Examples of usage

  • I need to lint this code before submitting it for review.
  • The developer lints the code to ensure it meets coding standards.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'lint' comes from the Old English 'lynt,' which referred to the fibers of flax plants.
  • Its usage dates back to the early 15th century, originally referring to fragments of cloth.
  • Related to the word 'linseed,' since linseed plants can produce fibers that create lint.

Science

  • Lint is primarily made of fibers that come from clothing, particularly cotton, wool, and synthetic materials.
  • During drying, the heat and tumbling action in dryers separate these fibers, leading to the creation of lint.
  • Certain fabrics, like towels and fleece, are more prone to producing lint due to their structure and the types of fibers used.

Pop Culture

  • Lint has been humorously portrayed in various cartoons as the annoying, pesky fluff that characters try to remove from their outfits.
  • Some comedies feature characters obsessively picking lint off their clothes, emphasizing its small yet noticeable presence.
  • There are internet memes joking about the 'surprise laundry lint' that can appear out of nowhere after washing clothes.

Practical Use

  • Lint can be used creatively, such as in arts and crafts, where it serves as stuffing for pillows or toys.
  • In some cultures, people collect lint to use in a fire starter due to its flammable properties.
  • Lint rollers have become popular household items to easily remove lint from clothing before heading out.

Health & Hygiene

  • Lint can harbor dust mites or allergens, which is why regular cleaning of clothes and surfaces is essential for reducing allergies.
  • Certain lint can accumulate in dryers and pose a fire risk if not frequently cleaned out.
  • Removing lint from clothes before dressing can help reduce skin irritation for those with sensitivities.

Translations

Translations of the word "lint" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fiapo

🇮🇳 लिंट

🇩🇪 Fussel

🇮🇩 serat

🇺🇦 пух

🇵🇱 kłaczek

🇯🇵 綿ぼこり (わたぼこり)

🇫🇷 peluche

🇪🇸 pelusa

🇹🇷 tüy

🇰🇷 보풀

🇸🇦 وبر

🇨🇿 chomáč

🇸🇰 chomáč

🇨🇳 绒毛 (róngmáo)

🇸🇮 vlakno

🇮🇸 lús

🇰🇿 пух

🇬🇪 ბუსუსი

🇦🇿 tük

🇲🇽 pelusa

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,982, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.