fibreux

Fibreux is an adjective used in French to describe something that consists of fibers or has a fibrous texture. In general use, it indicates a material that exhibits a network of elongated, thread-like elements rather than a homogeneous, solid mass. In English-language contexts, the closest equivalent is fibrous.

Etymology: The term derives from the noun fibre, with the adjectival suffix -eux, ultimately from Latin fibra.

Applications: In textiles and materials science, fibreux describes fiber-reinforced or fiber-based materials. In biology and medicine, it refers to fibrous connective tissue, such as fascia and ligaments, and to fibrous bands that provide structural support. In food science, a fibreux texture denotes a fibrous mouthfeel common in certain plant foods. In geology and mineralogy, some minerals or rocks are described as fibreux when they display fibrous crystal aggregates.

Usage notes: Fibreux is standard in French-language scientific and quality-control literature, and it appears in bilingual texts and translations to convey a fibrous or fiber-like structure. In English, fibrous is the preferred term, while fibreux may be encountered when translating or describing French sources or when distinguishing a distinctly fibrous composition in cross-language discussions.