Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛtɪŋ] (IPA) 
Retting is a term used to describe the process of separating fibers from plant material. It is pronounced as \ˈretɪŋ\, where "re" is pronounced as "reh" and "tting" is pronounced as "ting." The first syllable "ret" is stressed, and the "t" sound is followed by an "eh" sound. The word has a unique spelling as it uses "tt" instead of a single "t" after "re." Retting is commonly used in the production of fibers such as flax and hemp.
Retting is a process used to separate the fiber from the stalk of certain plants, such as flax, hemp, or jute, in order to utilize them for various purposes. It involves immersing the plant material in water or exposing it to moisture under controlled conditions for a specific period of time. The aim is to rot or decompose the non-fibrous tissues surrounding the fiber, thereby facilitating its extraction.
During the retting process, the plants are usually submerged in a pool, stream, or tank, so that the action of water and certain microorganisms can break down the pectins and gums that bind the fiber to the stalk. The duration of retting varies depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the type of plant being processed. It can range from a few days to several weeks. Careful monitoring is essential to prevent over-retting, which could damage the fiber, or under-retting, which may make extraction difficult.
Once the retting is complete, the fiber-rich stalks are removed from the water and left to dry. The separated fibers can then be further processed through techniques like scutching and carding to remove impurities and align the fibers for spinning or weaving.
Retting has been practiced for centuries as a traditional and efficient method of separating the valuable fibrous components from plant stalks. It is an important step in the production of materials like linen, ropes, fabrics, and other products that rely on natural plant fibers for their strength, flexibility, and durability.
The word "retting" is derived from the Middle English word "retten", which means "to rot" or "to decay". This comes from the Old English word "rettan", with a similar meaning. The Old English verb ultimately originated from the Proto-Germanic root "*rattijanan", which also referred to the process of decaying or decomposing.
