14 Across
NYT Daily • August 8, 2025
Synthetic fabric sometimes called "elastane"
Answer:
LYCRA
Hint:
"Here’s a helpful hint for the clue: "This stretchy material is often used in athletic wear and is a brand name for a type of spandex." This hint: - Narrows the focus to stretchy fabric (a key property of LYCRA). - Mentions athletic wear, a common use case. - References spandex, another term closely associated with LYCRA.
Explanation:
The clue "Synthetic fabric sometimes called 'elastane'" leads to the answer "LYCRA" through the following reasoning: 1. Direct Definition: The clue defines the answer as a synthetic fabric, which LYCRA is—a stretchy, durable material commonly used in clothing. 2. Alternative Name: The phrase "sometimes called 'elastane'" is key.