lint
LINT
/lɪnt/
Tiny fibers shed from cloth during washing, drying, or wearing that accumulate as loose fuzz.
Lint consists of loose surface fibers that have detangled entirely, distinct from pilling where fibers remain attached in pills.
The story behind the word. Derived from Middle English 'linte', connected to Latin 'linum' (flax/linen). Historically, lint referred specifically to soft scrapings of linen used by surgeons to dress and cushion wounds before modern bandage gauze was invented.
Word relationships
- fuzz: Fuzz can refer to fine facial hair or soft surface fabric texture, whereas lint consists of shedding loose fiber particles.
- fluff: Fluff carries a lighter, airborne connotation, while lint often gathers into mats inside dryer screens or pocket corners.
Commonly confused with
- flint: Flint is a hard grey rock used to strike sparks, whereas lint is soft fiber fuzz.
Word family
- linty (adjective): Covered in or producing loose lint.
Collocations
- lint filter
- lint roller
- accumulate lint
- lint catcher
Idioms & expressions
- lint in one's pockets
Example sentences
- "Clean the lint trap filter after every drying cycle to prevent fire hazards and keep air circulating efficiently." Dryer maintenance
- "He rolled an adhesive lint roller across his black blazer to pick up stray white threads." Personal grooming
Memory hook
LINT clings to LINEN like tiny sticky threads. Roll away lint for a spotless suit.
When not to use
Do not confuse lint with heavy mud dirt or solid stains on fabric.
Fun facts
- Dryer lint accumulation is one of the leading causes of residential house fires nationwide, making regular filter cleaning essential.
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