Fabric from copper that insulates piping (5)
I believe the answer is:
dhoti
'fabric' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?
'copper that insulates piping' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'copper' could be 'd' (historical abbreviation for penny) and 'd' is found in the answer.
'piping' could be 'hot' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'hot' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'i' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'from' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dhoti that I've seen before include "Loincloth worn by Indians" , "Indian attire" , "garment in India" , "pants in Goa?" , "Indian loincloth" .)