Using electrospun nanofibers background and terminology

In an attempt to avoid this kind of confusion, the authors propose the use of generally accepted terminology from the textiles industry. Some of the terms used in the following sections are defined below. 

Fiber - a single piece of a solid material, which is flexible and fine, and has a high aspect ratio (length/diameter ratio). 

Tow - an untwisted assembly of a large number of filaments tows are cut up to produce staple fibers. 

Sliver - an assembly of fibers in continuous form without twist. The assembly of staple fibers, after carding but before twisting, is also known as a sliver. 

Yarn - a generic term for a continuous strand of textile fibers or filaments in a form suitable for knitting, weaving or otherwise intertwining to form a fabric. 

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