Definition

The process of soaking and breaking down flax to prepare it for use, often involving water and time to soften the fibers.

Example

The farmers began retting the flax in the river to make it ready for weaving.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the process called retting?

I think I read about it once; it's used for preparing flax, right?

Exactly! It's interesting how they soak it to make it usable.

Yeah, I find traditional methods like retting really fascinating.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retting comes from the Old English word 'rettan', meaning to clear or to prepare. The process of retting involves soaking plant fibers to separate them from the stalk, thus preparing them for further use.

Memory Tip

Think of 'preparing' fibers by soaking them in water — that's what retting means.

Visually Confused Words