lint

UK: lɪnt | US: lɪnt

Definition

  1. n. 1. Short, fine fibers or fluff shed from fabric or yarn.

  2. n. 2. (Computing) Minor, inconsequential code fragments or errors.

Structure

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Etymology

The word "lint" traces back to Old English linnet, referring to flax or linen fibers. Over time, it narrowed to describe the tiny, loose fibers shed from woven fabrics. The computing sense (e.g., "code lint") emerged metaphorically in the 1970s, likening trivial code issues to fabric debris.

Examples

  1. She cleaned the lint filter in the dryer after each load.

  2. The black sweater left lint all over the couch.

  3. The programmer used a linter to catch lint in the script.

  4. A piece of lint stuck to his glasses.

  5. Old towels tend to produce more lint than new ones.