fibrous

This term describes a structural quality where a material is composed of long, thin, thread-like strands. It suggests a toughness or resistance to breaking, often associated with a stringy consistency that can be difficult to chew or tear. It is frequently used in biological and botanical contexts to describe plant stalks or muscle tissue. In a technical or industrial sense, it refers to materials reinforced with fibers to increase strength, such as fiberglass. The word carries a neutral to positive connotation when discussing strength and durability, but a negative connotation when describing food that feels woody or coarse in the mouth.