# fibreglass

Pronunciation: US say "FY-bur-glas" /ˈfaɪbɚˌɡlæs/; UK say "FY-buh-glahs" /ˈfaɪbəɡlɑːs/

## Noun

1. A strong composite material in which fine fibers of spun glass are bound together by a hardened resin. *(UK)*
   - Simple: A strong, light material made from thin threads of glass set in hardened plastic.
   - _Modern surfboards are built from fibreglass laid over a foam core._
   - _The technician layered fibreglass and resin to reinforce the car's damaged panel._
2. Glass based on silica drawn out into fibers whose length is at least a thousand times their width. *(UK)*
   - Simple: Thin threads made by pulling melted glass out into long, fine strands.
   - _Spun into long filaments, fibreglass can be woven into cloth or matting._
   - _Manufacturers draw molten silica into fibreglass that stays flexible despite being glass._
3. Ellipsis of fibreglass wool. *(UK)* — Ellipsis of fibreglass wool.
   - Simple: Short for fibreglass wool. People often drop the second word when talking about the fluffy glass insulation.
   - _The builders rolled fibreglass between the wall studs for insulation._
   - _Old fibreglass can shed tiny fibers, so wear gloves when removing it._

## Verb

4. To apply fiberglass to a surface or object, usually as a protective or strengthening coating. *(UK)*
   - Simple: To coat or line a surface with the spun-glass composite.
   - _The crew will fibreglass the hull before winter storage._
   - _He learned to fibreglass cracked panels at the repair shop._

## Origin

A compound of "fibre" and "glass".

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/fibreglass (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).