A semi-synthetic fiber made from regenerated cellulose, typically derived from wood pulp or cotton linters. It has a silk-like feel and drape, making it popular for clothing and home textiles.
From Latin 'viscosus' meaning 'sticky' or 'viscous,' referring to the thick, syrupy solution created during the manufacturing process. The term was adopted in the early 1900s when the commercial production method was developed.
Viscose was revolutionary because it was the first manufactured fiber to successfully mimic silk's luxurious drape at a fraction of the cost, democratizing elegant fashion in the early 20th century. The fiber is actually more absorbent than cotton and takes dye beautifully, which is why vintage rayon dresses from the 1940s still have such vibrant colors today.
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