# rayon

/ˈɹeɪən/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪɒn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rayon
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. fabric type

noun · CEFR B2

a smooth, soft fabric made from natural materials like wood pulp.

For teachers: a manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose, typically used for clothing and upholstery.

- This shirt is made of rayon, so it feels very soft and cool in summer.
- The designer preferred rayon for the summer collection because of its excellent drape and ability to mimic the sheen of natural silk.

### 2. a beam of light

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a ray or beam of light.

For teachers: a ray or beam of light; this usage is no longer found in modern English.

- The poet described a golden rayon of sun breaking through the dark clouds.
- In the medieval manuscript, the author describes a divine rayon descending from the heavens to illuminate the altar.

### 3. a circular area

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a round area or the distance from the center of a circle to its edge.

For teachers: a circular area or radius; often used in administrative or technical contexts in certain regions.

- The police searched every house within a small rayon of the crime scene.
- The administrative rayon was established to manage the distribution of resources across the rural province.

## Examples

- She bought a beautiful rayon dress for the party.
- The manufacturer switched to rayon because it is more affordable than silk while still maintaining a similar soft texture.
- While rayon is prized for its lustrous finish and breathability, it is susceptible to shrinking if not washed in cold water and dried on a low heat setting.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.