What is the term used for short fibers in wool?

The term used for short fibers in wool is "noils." These fibers are typically shorter and often considered a byproduct of the wool processing industry. Noils may not be suitable for spinning into high-quality yarn due to their length and characteristics, but they can be used in various lower-quality textiles and for filling in products. Recognizing the presence of noils in a batch of wool can be essential for determining its quality and potential commercial uses.

The other terms reflect different aspects of wool or fiber processing. "Tops" refer to a stage in processing where the wool has been carded and prepared for spinning, "staples" denote long, continuous lengths of wool fibers that have not been cut or broken, and "locks" typically refer to groups of wool fibers that have been sheared together during shearing. Each of these terms has specific implications for wool handling and quality assessment, but none specifically define short fibers as effectively as noils do.