Associations to the word «Byssus»

Wiktionary

BYSSUS, 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.
BYSSUS, noun. The long fine silky filaments excreted by several mollusks (particularly Pinna nobilis) by which they attach themselves to the sea bed, and from which sea silk is manufactured.
BYSSUS, noun. (mycology) The stipe or stem of some fungi which are particularly thin and thread-like.

Dictionary definition

BYSSUS, noun. Tuft of strong filaments by which e.g. a mussel makes itself fast to a fixed surface.

Wise words

A word is not a crystal, transparent and unchanged; it is the skin of a living thought and may vary greatly in color and content according to the circumstances and time in which it is used.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.