monofilament

Etymology

mono- + filament

noun

1. (textiles) A single strand of man-made fiber
   In the twentieth century, the gill net became almost invisible when hemp twine was replaced first by nylon and then by monofilament. Since monofilament is fairly indestructible, it is estimated that a modern "ghost net" may continue to fish on its own for as long as five years. 1997, Mark Kurlansky, Cod, page 124