Lint: meaning, definitions and examples

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lint

 

[ lɪnt ]

Noun / Verb
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'lint' has its origins in Middle English, where it meant 'fluff' or 'a soft material used for dressing wounds'. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'lynet', which referred to 'flax'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the small fibers that accumulate on clothing. The medical use of lint for dressing wounds dates back to the 16th century when it was commonly used in medical practice. In modern times, lint is also used in coding jargon to refer to analyzing code for errors.

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.