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nanofiber

nanofiber

1 6.7
A very thin thread much thinner than a hair used in filters and medical materials
  • noun
  • /ˈnænoʊˌfaɪbər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : nanofibra
  • Nanofibers offer advantages in biomedicine because their small size matches the scale of human cells and tissue.
  • make nanofibers

Examples

  • Protective clothing is also a viable application for Prey's nanofibers.

    Academic text (2005)
  • So if we're looking at filtration devices, nanofibers make very effective filters because they don't get in the way of the air flowing past them.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The advantage is that both the size and the position of the nanofibers can now be precisely controlled.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Frey's nanofibers also have biomedical applications.

    Academic text (2005)
  • For example, nanofibers offer an improved and cost-effective option for filtration applications.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The U.S. Army is interested in using nanofibers to make uniforms that can resist chemical challenges but are breathable enough to prevent overheating.

    Academic text (2005)
  • These nanofibers were created via bicomponent extrusion, allowing the manufacturing of thousands of nanofibers in large quantities.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Frey uses a technique called electrospinning to transform cellulose, the structural material of plants, into nanofibers too small to see with the naked eye.

    Academic text (2005)
  • Juan Hinestroza and Margaret Frey are pushing the textile frontier by developing nanofibers to act as biological sensors and shields against viruses, bacteria, and hazardous particles.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Nanofibers are increasingly being used in medical devices due to their unique properties.

Synonyms

fiber
vsnanofiber
  • US
50 3.0

A thin thread used to make cloth or yarn

is specifically in the nanometre range, far thinner than ordinary threads
filament
vsnanofiber
4 5.7

A very thin thread found in cells or silk

is measured at nanometre scale and so is much thinner than that thread
microfiber
vsnanofiber
  • US
4 3.7

A very thin artificial thread or a cloth made from such threads

is much thinner, measured at nanometre scale rather than micro scale
fibril
vsnanofiber
  • Specialized
1 9.5

A very thin thread inside body tissue or made by people

is defined by nanometre thickness rather than general slenderness
microfibril
vsnanofiber
  • Specialized
8.9

A very small thread that gives support and strength to plants or tissues

is measured at nanometre scale and thus much thinner than this micro-sized filament

How Thin

nanofiber
  • Specialized
1 6.7
microfiber
  • US
4.0
filament
4 5.7
thread
80 1.0
fiber
  • US
50 3.0

Surface Forms

nanofiber singular
nanofibers plural

Morphology

nanofiber = fiber (transparent) = nano + fiber

The meaning is directly compositional: 'nano-' means extremely small and 'fiber' denotes a thread-like material.

Etymology

Nanofiber is made of nano- meaning 'very small' and fiber meaning 'thread', so it literally means a 'very small thread', which is why a nanofiber is an extremely thin fiber measured in nanometers and used in filters, textiles, and medical materials.