shed by
Hello!
What is the meaning of 'shed by' in the context below?

"But a lot of ocean debris is ‘microplastic’, or pieces smaller than five millimeters. These may be ingredients used in cosmetics and toiletries, fibers shed by synthetic clothing in the wash, or eroded remnants of larger debris. "

Thank you!

Question

shed by
Hello!
What is the meaning of 'shed by' in the context below?

"But a lot of ocean debris is ‘microplastic’, or pieces smaller than five millimeters. These may be ingredients used in cosmetics and toiletries, fibers shed by synthetic clothing in the wash, or eroded remnants of larger debris. "

Thank you!

Answer

‘Shedding’ is used to describe hair or fibres which come off naturally from clothes, people and animals. Every time we wash or dry our clothes, little tiny bits of the clothes are released into the water and go down the drain.  Synthetic clothes are made of a type of plastic and so when they are washed, little bits of plastic come off (are shed by) the clothes.

Answers · 2

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