rayon

UK: ˈreɪɒn | US: ˈreɪɑːn

Definition

  1. n. A synthetic textile fiber or fabric made from regenerated cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp.

Structure
ray <beam (from French "rayon") + on<noun suffix (diminutive or material suffix)>
Etymology

The word "rayon" originates from the French word "rayon," meaning "beam" or "glow," referencing the shiny, lustrous quality of the fabric. The suffix "-on" was added to form a noun, possibly influenced by other textile terms like "cotton" or "nylon." The name reflects the material's smooth, light-reflecting surface, mimicking the appearance of rays of light.

Examples

  1. She wore a elegant dress made of soft rayon.

  2. Rayon is often used as a cheaper alternative to silk.

  3. The fabric store sells both cotton and rayon blends.

  4. His shirt wrinkled easily because it was pure rayon.

  5. Rayon production involves chemically treating wood pulp.