Crossword Genius

Muhammad captain in business? That's material? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

calico

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'material?' is the definition.
(calico is a kind of material)

'muhammad captain in business?' is the wordplay.
'muhammad' becomes 'ali' (I've seen this in another clue).
'captain' becomes 'c' (this could be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'business?' becomes 'co' (short for company).
'ali'+'c'='alic'
'alic' put within 'co' is 'CALICO'.

'that's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for calico that I've seen before include "Cotton cloth or fabric" , "Unbleached sixteen down cloth" , "Given material for dress" , "spotted in America" , "Plain cotton cloth, white or unbleached" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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