Stumped by this crossword clue? Discover the surprising answer in just 60 characters!

As a detective unraveling the mystery behind the crossword clue, “Fabric derived from wood pulp,” my mind begins to race with countless possibilities. I contemplate a variety of fabrics made from plant fibers, such as cotton or linen, but they don’t quite fit the clue. Then, a sudden realization surfaces in my mind. Could it be rayon?

My knowledge of fabrics leads me to recall that rayon, commonly referred to as “artificial silk,” is indeed a fabric derived from wood pulp. It is a semi-synthetic fiber created through a process known as viscose. In this process, cellulose from wood pulp undergoes chemical treatments to produce a solution that, when solidified, forms the threads of rayon fabric. This unique manufacturing method aligns perfectly with the clue, making rayon the most likely answer!

I also consider the relevance of the word “derived.” It implies that the fabric in question is not a natural fiber but rather one that undergoes a transformation process. Rayon, being a derivative of wood pulp, fulfills this requirement, strengthening my conviction that it is the correct answer to this crossword mystery.

The captivating journey of my thought process as a detective, pondering various fabrics while keeping in mind their origin and production methods, ultimately led to my deduction of rayon as the answer to this clue.