fabric
UK: ˈfæbrɪk | US: ˈfæbrɪk
n. 1. A material produced by weaving or knitting fibers, typically used for clothing or furnishings.
n. 2. The underlying structure or framework of something (e.g., society, a building).
fabric = fabr<workshop> + ic<noun suffix>
- fabr (from Latin fabrica, meaning "workshop" or "craftsmanship")
- ic (noun-forming suffix, indicating "related to" or "pertaining to")
Etymology Origin:
The word fabric traces back to Latin fabrica, which referred to a workshop or skilled craft (especially in construction or weaving). Over time, it evolved in Middle French (fabrique) to denote both the place of production and the product itself. By the 15th century, English adopted it to describe woven materials and later extended it metaphorically to mean the "structure" of abstract systems (e.g., social fabric). The morpheme fabr- preserves the original Latin root, while -ic solidifies its noun form.
The dress was made from a lightweight silk fabric.
The fabric of the building’s design emphasized sustainability.
Over time, the fabric of their friendship began to fray.
She examined the fabric under a microscope to study its weave.
The artist used recycled fabrics to create a textured collage.