byssus
English
/ˈbɪ.səs/
noun
Definitions
- An exceptionally fine and valuable fibre or cloth of ancient times. Originally used for fine flax and linens, the word was later extended to fine cottons, silks, and sea silk.
- The long fine silky filaments excreted by several mollusks (particularly ) by which they attach themselves to the sea bed, and from which sea silk is manufactured.
- (mycology) The stipe or stem of some fungi which are particularly thin and thread-like.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin byssus (silk, fine cotton cotton stuff), byssus (silk, fine cotton cotton stuff) derived from Ancient Greek βύσσος (a very fine yellowish flax and the linen woven from it, flax, byssus, cotton homespun) derived from Hebrew (modern) בּוּץ (byssus) derived from Aramaic בּוּצָא (byssus).
Origin
Aramaic
בּוּצָא
Gloss
byssus