multifilament: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical
Quick answer
What does “multifilament” mean?
A material, typically nylon or a synthetic fibre, composed of many extremely fine, continuous filaments or threads bundled together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A material, typically nylon or a synthetic fibre, composed of many extremely fine, continuous filaments or threads bundled together.
Refers to the specific construction and texture of a yarn, thread, or fishing line, characterized by its softness, flexibility, and often high visibility, compared to a monofilament.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences; both use the same spelling and definition. The specific brands or applications (e.g., in fishing tackle) may vary regionally.
Connotations
Technical precision in materials science, textiles, and sports equipment. Connotes a manufactured, engineered material.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Its use is almost entirely restricted to technical fields, notably textile engineering, medicine (sutures), and angling.
Grammar
How to Use “multifilament” in a Sentence
[adjective] + multifilamentmultifilament + made of + [material]multifilament + for + [purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “multifilament” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The multifilament construction offers superior knot strength.
- She selected a multifilament suture for the delicate procedure.
American English
- This multifilament line is popular for bass fishing.
- The multifilament yarn is incredibly smooth to the touch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement or product description for textiles, medical supplies, or sporting goods (e.g., 'The new product line features advanced multifilament polymers.').
Academic
Found in materials science, textile engineering, and medical journals (e.g., 'The study compared the tensile strength of monofilament and multifilament sutures.').
Everyday
Almost never used, except by hobbyists like anglers or knitters in very specific discussions.
Technical
The primary register. Precise term for describing the construction of threads, lines, and fibres in manufacturing and engineering contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “multifilament”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “multifilament”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “multifilament”
- Using it as an adjective for non-physical things (e.g., 'a multifilament argument' is incorrect).
- Confusing spelling: 'multifiliment' or 'multifilimant'.
- Assuming it's a common synonym for 'braided' (some multifilaments are braided, but not all).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun, but it is very commonly used attributively as an adjective (e.g., multifilament line). It is not used predicatively ('The line is multifilament' is rare and awkward).
Multifilament consists of many fine filaments twisted or braided together, making it softer and often stronger but potentially less invisible in water. Monofilament is a single, solid strand of material, offering more stiffness and stretch.
It is highly unlikely. It is a technical term. In everyday contexts, you would use more general descriptions like 'braided fishing line' or 'soft, woven thread'.
No, 'multifilament' is not used as a verb. There is no verb 'to multifilament'.
A material, typically nylon or a synthetic fibre, composed of many extremely fine, continuous filaments or threads bundled together.
Multifilament is usually technical in register.
Multifilament: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmʌl.tɪˈfɪl.ə.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmʌl.tiˈfɪl.ə.mənt/ˌmʌl.taɪˈfɪl.ə.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MULTIple FILAMENTS = many tiny threads twisted together.
Conceptual Metaphor
A rope is to a single string as MULTIFILAMENT is to MONOFILAMENT (the many versus the one).
Practice
Quiz
In which field would you LEAST likely encounter the term 'multifilament'?