Which term signifies a basic unit from which fabric is made?

The correct answer is fiber, which is the fundamental building block of fabric. Fibers are the smallest units that can be spun together to create yarn, which is later woven or knitted into textiles. Fibers can be derived from both natural sources, like cotton and wool, and synthetic sources, like polyester and nylon. Understanding that fibers are the essential components helps to grasp the entire process of fabric production, from raw material to finished cloth.

Textiles refer to the final products made from yarns and fibers, while materials is a broader term that can encompass various substances used in production, not limited to those used in textiles. Yarn is a product created from fibers, being a twisted strand that is then used to construct fabrics. Therefore, fiber is correctly identified as the basic unit in the fabric-making process.