staple

staple

a number of wool fibers naturally formed into a cluster about as thick as a human thumb but varying widely in size. Used with reference to fleeces of fine-wool sheep. Similar structures in longwool fleeces are called locks.

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staple measurements

includes staple length, staple strength, staple length variability, and the position of any break in the wool.

staple strength

force required to break a staple of wool of a given thickness.

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staple Surgery A wire-like fastening device composed of steel-based alloys, used to close operative wounds, especially of skin, which minimizes infection by not introducing a foreign body that would connect external and internal body regions. See Surgical closure.