Word
kemp
Phoneticskemp
/ˈkɛmp/
Definition
n. thick, stiff hairs found in wool or animal fur that do not take dye well and are hard to spin.
n. coarse, brittle, and opaque medullated fibres found in a fleece that resist dyes and reduce the quality of the textile.
Examples
“The farmer checked the wool for kemp before selling it.”
“High levels of kemp in the fleece significantly reduce the market value of the wool because it creates uneven coloring during the dyeing process.”
“While some primitive sheep breeds naturally possess a double coat containing kemp, modern textile production favors uniform fibers that allow for consistent texture and deep pigment absorption.”
Examples
simple
“The farmer checked the wool for kemp before selling it.”
contextual
“High levels of kemp in the fleece significantly reduce the market value of the wool because it creates uneven coloring during the dyeing process.”
complex
“While some primitive sheep breeds naturally possess a double coat containing kemp, modern textile production favors uniform fibers that allow for consistent texture and deep pigment absorption.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the material, but countable when referring to individual hairs.
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialised term used primarily in agriculture, textile manufacturing, and certain British dialects.