What term describes the ability of carpet fibers to return to their original shape after being compressed?

The term that describes the ability of carpet fibers to return to their original shape after being compressed is resiliency. This property is crucial in maintaining the appearance and longevity of carpets, as it determines how well the fibers can recover from foot traffic or furniture weight. Resiliency ensures that the carpet retains its texture and visual appeal over time, minimizing the looking flattened or worn.

While durability refers to how well a carpet can withstand wear and tear over its lifespan, and strength indicates the material's ability to handle stress without breaking, neither directly addresses the recovery of shape after compression. Flexibility pertains to how easily the carpet fibers can bend or twist, but again, it does not specifically relate to the capacity for fibers to bounce back to their original form post-compression. Thus, resiliency is the most precise term for the ability of carpet fibers to recover their shape.