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Word: byssus (lookup usage) (lookup stats)


Meaning:

Noun:

  • An exceptionally fine and valuable fibre or cloth of ancient times. Originally used for fine flax and linens, its use was later extended to fine cottons, silks, and sea silk.
  • The long fine silky filaments excreted by several mollusks (particularly ''Pinna nobilis'') by which they attach themselves to the sea bed, from which sea silk is manufactured.
  • The stipe or stem of some fungi which are particularly thin and thread-like.

Source: Wiktionary | Src Info »