rayon

noun ray·on \ ˈrā-ˌän \

Updated on: 25 Apr 2018

Definition of rayon

1 : any of a group of smooth textile fibers made from regenerated cellulose by extrusion through minute holes

2 : a rayon yarn, thread, or fabric

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Examples of rayon in a Sentence

The shirt is made of rayon.

Recent Examples of rayon from the Web

Cotton, all the synthethics, viscose, rayon, polyester, bamboo, hemp, linen — these are all vegan materials.

— jonathan kauffman, San Francisco Chronicle, "On the verge of a vegan fashion revolution," 20 Apr. 2018
Important note: Always check the care tag first, and if the fabric content includes rayon/viscose, avoid this step at all costs.

— jolie kerr, Town & Country, "How to Keep Your Lilly Pulitzer Clothes Looking Great All Summer Long," 16 June 2017
Credit goes to a gusseted crotch and textile blend that draws its strength from polyester, its comfort from modal (a type of rayon), and its elasticity from Lycra.

— clint carter, WSJ, "Cycling Clothes That Double as Office Attire," 22 Mar. 2018
Fighting Eel’s staple pieces are beachy chic, yet utterly stylish, made in Hawaii of modal jersey and ribbed rayon by a staff of fewer than 10 employees.

— jill k. robinson, San Francisco Chronicle, "Fighting Eel designs win fans with versatile, chic and comfortable island designs," 7 Mar. 2018
For instance, some items in the Time and Tru line have lyocell (related to rayon) to give it a softer feel, even though that costs more than cotton.

— phil wahba, Fortune, "Walmart Makes a Big Play to Boost Its Fashion Credentials," 27 Feb. 2018
And sometimes, as with a sporty sunshine yellow stretch rayon jersey turned into an evening gown, with cuts here and there and one extra-long third sleeve dangling from the edge of a shoulder blade like an elegant wind sock, it just, well, works.

— vanessa friedman, New York Times, "Beyond Business as Usual," 11 Feb. 2018
Some Michigan trees that are harvested get turned into pulp, which is used to make such fabrics as rayon and the trendy Tencel.

— michigan department of natural resource, Detroit Free Press, "Ensuring the future of Michigan's forests," 16 Jan. 2018
Land of Distraction rayon-spandex blend striped pants, $325; oversize cotton snap hoodie, $375; and high-waist corduroy flares, $350; at landofdistraction.com.

— hayley phelan, New York Times, "What to Talk About at New York Fashion Week," 7 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rayon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rayon

irregular from ²ray

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1924

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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RAYON Defined for English Language Learners

rayon

noun

Definition of rayon for English Language Learners

: a smooth fiber that is used in making clothing

RAYON Defined for Kids

rayon

noun ray·on \ ˈrā-ˌän \

Definition of rayon for Students

: a cloth made with fibers produced chemically from cellulose

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See words that rhyme with rayon Spanish Central: Translation of rayon Nglish: Translation of rayon for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rayon

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rayon

Definition of rayon

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RAYON Defined for English Language Learners

rayon

Definition of rayon for English Language Learners

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rayon

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