An instrument or device designed to measure the fineness, thickness, or diameter of fibers, especially wool or hair under a microscope.
From Greek 'erion' (wool) and 'metron' (measure), following the common scientific naming pattern for measuring instruments. Developed in the 19th century as textile manufacturers needed to grade raw materials scientifically.
Wool manufacturers use eriometers to measure fiber diameter in microns—finer wool commands higher prices, which is why cashmere at 15 microns costs exponentially more than regular wool at 30 microns, making this simple device economically powerful!
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