The word "coir" is a material made from the fibers of coconut husks. Although it may seem like the correct spelling should be "koi-er," the correct spelling is actually "coi-er" pronounced as /kɔɪə(r)/. The reason for this is that the letters "oi" in English often represent a diphthong, which is a blend of two vowel sounds. In this case, the diphthong is "oy," as in "boy." The letter "c" is used instead of "k" for historical reasons, but in a phonetic transcription, /k/ would be used to represent the sound.
Coir is a natural fiber that is extracted from the husk of the coconut fruit. It is widely used in various industries and applications due to its versatile nature and strong properties.
The coir fiber is obtained by processing the outer layer of the coconut, known as the husk. It is first separated from the hard shell of the coconut and then further processed to extract the fibers. These fibers are long, brown hairs that are tough and resistant.
Coir has several beneficial characteristics that make it highly sought after. It is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to rot, making it suitable for a wide range of uses. It is often used in the production of mats, ropes, brushes, and mattresses.
In horticulture, coir is utilized as a soil amendment due to its ability to retain water and provide aeration. It is also a popular choice for use as a growing medium in hydroponic systems as it allows roots to obtain nutrients while maintaining moisture levels.
Furthermore, coir is an eco-friendly alternative to other synthetic materials as it is biodegradable and renewable. It does not release harmful chemicals into the environment and can be easily recycled or composted.
In conclusion, coir is a natural fiber obtained from the husk of the coconut and is valued for its strength, durability, and versatility. Its uses range from manufacturing various products to being a sustainable option for soil amendment and plant growth.
Cocoa-nut fibre for ropes or matting.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "coir" is derived from the Malayalam language, which is a Dravidian language primarily spoken in the Indian state of Kerala. In Malayalam, the word for coconut is "kayi" or "kayam". The word "coir" is believed to have come from "kayiru", which means a rope or cord made from coconut fibers. Over time, this term has been adopted into English to refer to the fibrous material obtained from the outer husk of the coconut.