elastic fiber

noun

: a thick very elastic smooth yellowish anastomosing fiber of connective tissue that contains elastin

Examples of elastic fiber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Loss of Elasticity Many modern garments contain elastic fibers or synthetic materials that can degrade under extreme heat. Aksha Mittapalli, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2024 During weight gain, the collagen and elastic fibers in the skin become damaged and unable to retract following weight loss. Samantha Lauriello, Health, 3 Nov. 2023 After about three to six months of regular wear, those elastic fibers start to call it quits, and your socks won't work their compression magic as well. John Thompson, Men's Health, 8 Sep. 2023 In 2007, Santa Anita installed a mixture of silica sand, synthetic fibers, elastic fiber and granulated rubber with a wax coating after the California Horse Racing Board mandated the change for all of the state’s tracks. Beth Harris, baltimoresun.com, 31 Oct. 2019 At the same time, collagen production drops off and elastic fibers begin to stiffen, laying the groundwork for wrinkles and sagging. Jolene Edgar, Allure, 2 Aug. 2018 Stretch marks are simply lines on skin that develop when skin stretches — whether because of a growth spurt, weight gain, or pregnancy — and elastic fibers under the skin weaken or break. Jody Rogac, Allure, 17 Jan. 2018 There are two layers of elastic fibers lining the inner and outer surfaces of the thick muscular wall of the artery. Lisa Sanders, M.d., New York Times, 13 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elastic fiber was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near elastic fiber

Cite this Entry

“Elastic fiber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elastic%20fiber. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

elastic fiber

noun
: a thick very elastic smooth yellowish anastomosing fiber of connective tissue that contains elastin
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