I. rayon (ˈ)rā|(y)ōⁿ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, from rai ray — more at ray
1. : ray , beam
2. : radius
the rayon of a cannon's fire
3. : a postal district in Switzerland
II. ray·on ˈrāˌän noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: irregular from ray (II)
1.
a. : a fine smooth hygroscopic textile fiber made in filament and staple form from various solutions of modified cellulose (as of wood pulp or cotton linters) by extruding through spinnerets and solidifying in a chemical bath or in warm air
b. : a fiber of this type composed of regenerated cellulose — distinguished from acetate ; see cuprammonium rayon , viscose rayon
2.
a. : yarn or thread made from continuous or staple lengths of rayon fiber
rayon is used in tire cords
b. : fabric made of rayon often having an appearance similar to that of silk, linen, or cotton fabrics
butcher linen is a rayon
— see spun rayon