WOOL MEASUREMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Wool measurement refers to the process of determining and assessing the quality and characteristics of wool fibers. It involves determining various factors related to wool, including its fineness, length, strength, crimp, color, and cleanliness. These measurements are key components in determining the overall value and suitability of wool for various applications.
One crucial aspect of wool measurement is assessing fineness. Fineness refers to the diameter of individual wool fibers and is typically measured in microns. The finer the wool, the softer and more luxurious it tends to feel. Length is another important aspect of wool measurement, as longer fibers are often desirable for producing high-quality textiles. Strength is determined by measuring the breaking strength of the wool fibers, indicating their durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Crimp is another characteristic assessed during wool measurement. It refers to the waviness or zigzag pattern of wool fibers, which provides elasticity and insulation properties to the wool. Color assessment involves determining the shade and tint of the wool, which can vary from pure white to various shades of brown, gray, and black. Finally, cleanliness is evaluated by inspecting the wool for dirt, vegetable matter, and other impurities that may affect its quality and processing.
Wool measurement is carried out using specialized instruments and techniques such as a micronaire, optical fiber meters, strength testers, colorimeters, and visual inspection. These measurements help ensure that wool products meet the required standards and that producers, manufacturers, and consumers have accurate information about the quality and characteristics of the wool.
Etymology of WOOL MEASUREMENT
The term "wool measurement" is a compound phrase consisting of the words "wool" and "measurement".
"Wool" comes from the Old English word "wull", which is related to the Old Frisian word "wol" and the Old High German word "wolla". These words ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wullō".
"Measurement" has its roots in the Latin word "mensura", which means "a measuring" or "a measure". It evolved into the Old French word "mesure" before being borrowed into Middle English as "mesure" and later becoming "measurement".
Thus, the etymology of "wool measurement" is a combination of the Old English word for wool and the Latin-derived word for measuring.
