merino

me·ri·no

M0230000 (mə-rē′nō)n. pl. me·ri·nos 1. a. Any of a breed of sheep, originally from Spain, having long fine wool.b. The wool of this sheep.2. A soft lightweight fabric made originally of merino wool but now of any fine wool.3. a. A yarn made from merino wool.b. A knitted fabric made from this yarn.

---

[Spanish, perhaps from Berber Benī Merīn, name of the tribe that developed the breed, or from Spanish merino, local magistrate (from Latin māiōrīnus, larger, from māior; see major).]

---

me·ri′no adj.

merino

(məˈriːnəʊ) n, pl -nos1. (Breeds) a breed of sheep, originating in Spain, bred for their fleece2. (Textiles) the long fine wool of this sheep3. (Textiles) the yarn made from this wool, often mixed with cotton4. pure merino informal a. history a free settler rather than a convictb. an affluent and socially prominent personc. (as modifier): a pure merino cricketer. 5. (Historical Terms) history a free settler rather than a convict6. an affluent and socially prominent person7. (as modifier): a pure merino cricketer. adj (Textiles) made from merino wool[C18: from Spanish, origin uncertain]

me•ri•no

(məˈri noʊ)

n., pl. -nos,
adj. n. 1. (often cap.) one of a breed of sheep, raised orig. in Spain, valued for their fine wool. 2. wool from such sheep. 3. a yarn or fabric made from this wool. adj. 4. made of merino wool, yarn, or cloth. [1775–85; < Sp < Arabic (banū) marīn a Berber tribe known for raising this breed]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

merino - white sheep originating in Spain and producing a heavy fleece of exceptional qualitymerino sheepdomestic sheep, Ovis aries - any of various breeds raised for wool or edible meat or skin

Translations

merino