äärelõhk

äärelõhk is an Estonian term that translates to "edge tear" or "fray" in English. It refers to the damage or wear that occurs along the edge of a material, such as fabric, paper, or even a biological tissue. This type of damage is typically caused by friction, abrasion, or repeated stress concentrated at the boundary of the object.

In textiles, äärelõhk can manifest as frayed threads, unraveling seams, or thinning of the fabric along hems or edges that are frequently handled or rubbed. This can weaken the garment and lead to its eventual deterioration. In paper products, it might appear as rough, torn edges on pages or documents, often resulting from repeated opening and closing of books or rough handling.

The concept of äärelõhk is also relevant in biology, where it can describe damage to the edges of structures like cell membranes or tissues. This might occur due to mechanical forces, inflammatory processes, or other pathological conditions. Understanding the causes and implications of äärelõhk is important for material preservation, product durability, and the diagnosis of certain medical conditions.