Word: lint (noun)

Associations

Lint refers to small, soft fibers or fluff that often comes from clothing or fabric. It can appear on clothes, in pockets, or in the dryer.

• Example 1: "I noticed some lint on my black sweater." (It shows that lint can be a problem when it contrasts with the color of clothing.)
• Example 2: "Before washing, check the lint trap in the dryer." (This highlights the importance of removing lint to prevent fires.)
• Example 3: "She used a lint roller to clean her coat." (This illustrates a common tool used to remove lint from clothing.)

A well-known synonym for lint is "fuzz." The main difference is that "fuzz" can refer to a wider range of soft fibers, while "lint" specifically comes from fabric.

Substitution

You can use words like "fluff," "fuzz," or "fibers" in place of "lint," but each has a slightly different meaning:

• "Fluff" can refer to any light, soft material, not just from fabric.
• "Fuzz" is more general and can describe soft hair or fibers from various sources.
• "Fibers" is more technical and can refer to any long, thin material, not just those that are soft.

Deconstruction

The word "lint" has no prefixes or suffixes. It comes from the Middle English word "lynt," which is related to the Old English "linta," meaning "flax" or "linen." This shows that lint is closely associated with fabric and textiles.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you noticed lint on your clothing? How did you feel about it?
• What do you usually do to remove lint from your clothes?
• Have you ever used a lint roller? How effective do you think it is?