kemp
n. uncountablen. the thick, rough, and stiff hairs found in wool. These hairs are usually white and do not take dye well, which can make the wool look lower in quality.
n. coarse, brittle, and opaque medullated fibres found in a fleece, typically lacking the crimp and dyeing properties of true wool.
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.
Often used as a collective noun to refer to the presence of these fibers in a batch of wool.