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n. pl. me·ri·nos 1. a. Any of a breed of sheep, originally from Spain, having long fine wool. b. The wool of this sheep. 2. A soft lightweight fabric made originally of merino wool but now of any fine wool. 3. a. A yarn made from merino wool. b. A knitted fabric made from this yarn. [Spanish, perhaps from Berber Benī Merīn, name of the tribe that developed the breed, or from Spanish merino, local magistrate (from Latin māiōrīnus, larger, from māior; see MAJOR).] me·rino adj.  (click for a larger image) merino |
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