Crossword Genius

Fibre from old ropes - or wood - universal material's origin (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oakum

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'fibre from old ropes' is the definition.
'oakum' can be an answer for 'fibre' (oakum is a kind of fibre). I'm not certain of the 'from old ropes' bit.

'wood universal material's origin' is the wordplay.
'wood' becomes 'oak' (oak is a kind of wood).
'origin' says to take the initial letters.
The initial letters of 'universal material' is 'um'.
'oak'+'um'='OAKUM'

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oakum that I've seen before include "Tarred ropes teased out for caulking ships" , "Caulking material" , "ropy bits" , "One hand-picked" , "Tarred rope" .)

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