me·ri·no 
(m
ə-r
ēn
ō)
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.

merino