A class name for various genera of fibres (including filaments) produced from fiber-forming substances which may be:

(1) polymers synthesised from chemical compounds, e.g., acrylic, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polyurethane, and polyvinyl fibers;

(2) modified or transformed natural polymers, e.g., alginic and cellulose-based fibres such as acetates and rayons; and

(3) minerals, e.g., glasses. The term manufactured usually refers to all chemically produced fibres to distinguish them from the truly natural fibres such as cotton, wool, silk, flax, etc.