Fiberglasses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A composite material consisting of fine fibers of glass embedded in a resin matrix, commonly used to reinforce structures ; a lightweight, strong substance made by weaving thin glass threads into mats or fabrics then bonding them with plastic ; a durable material made by combining glass fibers with polymer to enhance mechanical strength and corrosion resistance
2. A man-made material composed of glass filaments bonded with resin, used for insulation and structural reinforcement ; an engineered substance formed by integrating fine glass fibers within a plastic to improve stiffness and durability ; a synthetic composite created by layering glass threads in a matrix to increase toughness and reduce weight
3. A hybrid material made of stretched glass fibers set in a plastic base, widely utilized in automotive and marine industries ; a combination of tiny glass strands embedded in a polymer to produce an exceptionally strong and lightweight material ; a reinforced plastic where glass fibers provide strength and rigidity for construction and manufacturing purposes

Etymology: "Fiberglasses" is the plural of "fiberglass," so it refers to several distinct pieces, types, or grades of the material rather than to a mass of it. The base word is a compound of "fiber," from Latin "fibra," meaning a thread or filament, and "glass," from Old English "glæs." Together they describe glass drawn out into threads, which is exactly what the material is: fine glass filaments set in a resin.

Synonyms: fiberglass materials, glass fiber composites