Wool

Definition

Wool is a noun referring to the soft, curly hair from sheep and certain other animals, such as goats (e.g., cashmere) and alpacas, used for making yarn, textiles, and clothing. It can also refer to fabric or yarn made from this material.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wʊl/
• Respelling: wuhl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wʊl/
• Respelling: wuhl

Etymology

The word "wool" originates from Old English "wull," derived from Proto-Germanic "*wullō" and Proto-Indo-European "*wele-" meaning "to pluck or tear out." The term has been used to describe the fleece of sheep and its textile applications for millennia.

Derivatives

• Woolen (adjective/noun)
• Woolly (adjective)
• Wooliness (noun)
• Wool-grower (noun)
• Woolworker (noun)

Synonyms

• Fleece
• Yarn
• Textile

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "wool" is used to describe the natural fiber obtained from animals like sheep and its applications in textiles. For example, "This sweater is made of pure wool."

It is also used metaphorically in expressions like "to pull the wool over someone's eyes," meaning to deceive someone.

Related Terms

• Fleece: The wool coat of a sheep or similar animal.
• Textile: A type of cloth or woven fabric.
• Yarn: A thread made of wool or other fibers, used for knitting or weaving.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The soft, curly hair of sheep or similar animals: Refers to the natural fiber used for making clothing and textiles.
  • Example: "The farmer sheared the wool from the sheep in spring."
• A fabric or yarn made from this fiber: Indicates the processed material used in manufacturing.
  • Example: "She bought a scarf made of fine wool."
• Metaphorically, something used to obscure or deceive: Refers to figurative expressions.
  • Example: "Don't let them pull the wool over your eyes."