merino

/meuh ree"noh/, n., pl. merinos, adj.

n.

1. (often cap.) one of a breed of sheep, raised originally in Spain, valued for their fine wool.

2. wool from such sheep.

3. a yarn or fabric made from this wool.

adj.

4. made of merino wool, yarn, or cloth.

[1775-85; < Sp < Ar (banu) marin a Berber tribe known for raising this breed]

* * *

Breed of medium-sized sheep originating in Spain that has become prominent worldwide.

It has a white face, white legs, and crimped fine-wool fleece. Known as early as the 12th century, it may have been a Moorish importation. Well adapted to semiarid climates and to nomadic pasturing, it has served as foundation stock for many sheep breeds and strains.

* * *

▪ breed of sheep

 breed of fine-wool sheep originating in Spain; it was known as early as the 12th century and may have been a Moorish importation. It was particularly well adapted to semiarid climates and to nomadic pasturing. The breed has become prominent in many countries worldwide.

      Merinos vary considerably in size, conformation, and extent of skin folds, but the prevailing trend in breeding is to develop sheep of medium size, with fair mutton conformation and a minimum of skin folds. The colour of their faces and legs is white. Although they have a considerable growth of wool on their faces, it is seldom extensive enough to cause wool blindness. The fine wool fibres of Merino fleeces are beautifully crimped. Through selective mating and crossing with other breeds, the Merino has served extensively as foundation stock in the creation of many useful breeds and strains of sheep. See also livestock farming: sheep (livestock farming).

* * *