Wire cloth, a woven fabric made of metallic wires, is spelled with the phonetic transcription /waɪər klɒθ/. The first part, "wire," is pronounced with a long "i" sound (represented by the IPA symbol /aɪ/) and a soft "r" sound. The second part, "cloth," is pronounced with a short "o" sound (represented by the IPA symbol /ɒ/) and a voiced "th" (represented by the IPA symbol /ð/). The spelling straightforwardly reflects the pronunciation of each syllable of the word.
Wire cloth, also known as wire mesh or wire fabric, is a versatile type of woven material typically made from metallic wires that are interlaced or crossed over each other to create a grid-like structure. It is widely used in various applications due to its strength, durability, and ability to control the passage of solids, liquids, and gases.
The construction of wire cloth involves the weaving process in which warp wires, running parallel to the length of the cloth, are interwoven with weft wires, running perpendicular to the warp wires. This interlocking pattern forms a stable and uniform mesh with regularly spaced openings between the wires. The size and shape of the openings can vary based on the desired specifications and can range from small and precise to large and open, allowing for different levels of filtration or sieving.
Wire cloth is commonly utilized in industries such as mining, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. It finds application in filters, screens, sieves, partitions, fencing, reinforcement, and many other purposes. The selection of wire cloth is dependent on factors such as wire gauge, wire diameter, mesh count, and material composition, which can include stainless steel, galvanized steel, brass, bronze, or other alloys.
Overall, wire cloth is a highly adaptable material that provides strength, stability, and versatility for a wide range of industrial applications, making it an essential component in many sectors.
The word "wire cloth" is a compound noun consisting of "wire" and "cloth".
The term "wire" originated from the Old English word "wyre", which meant "metal drawn out into a thin, flexible thread". The word has Germanic origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "wuriz".
The term "cloth" comes from the Old English word "clāþ", which referred to a piece of fabric. It has Indo-European roots and is related to the Old High German word "kleitar" and the Latin word "clādēs", meaning "a covering" or "rags".
When combined, "wire cloth" refers to a material made from metal wire, usually woven or knitted together to form a mesh-like structure.