40 Across

NYT Daily ? September 19, 2025

Ribbed silk material

Answer:

FAILLE

Hint:

This lightweight fabric with subtle horizontal ridges is often used in elegant dresses and was popular in 18th-century fashion.

Explanation:

The clue "Ribbed silk material" points to faille, a lightweight woven fabric known for its subtle crosswise ribs. It’s often made from silk, though modern versions use other fibers, and the ribbed texture makes it distinct from smoother silks. The word itself comes from French, meaning "strip" or "band," hinting at its textured appearance. No wordplay here—just a straightforward definition.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints