silk

¹silk

noun, often attributive \ˈsilk\

Definition of SILK

1

: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons; especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles

2

: thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments

3

a : a garment of silk

b (1) : a distinctive silk gown worn by a King's or Queen's Counsel (2) : a King's or Queen's Counsel

c plural : the colored cap and blouse of a jockey or harness horse driver made in the registered racing color of the employing stable

4

a : a filament resembling silk; especially : one produced by a spider

b : silky material <milkweed silk>; especially : the styles of an ear of Indian corn

5

: parachute

— silk·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

Examples of SILK

1. a variety of silks and satins
2. The robe has butterflies embroidered in silk on the sleeves.
3. the silk of a spider's web

Origin of SILK

Middle English, from Old English seolc, sioluc, probably ultimately from Greek sērikos silken — more at sericeous

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with SILK

bilk, ilk, milch, milk

²silk

intransitive verb

Definition of SILK

of corn

: to develop the silk

First Known Use of SILK

1783

silk

noun \ˈsilk\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SILK

1

: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons; especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles

2

: strands of silk thread of various thicknesses used as suture material in surgery <surgical silk>

silk

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Animal fibre produced by certain insects as building material for cocoons and webs. In commercial use it refers almost entirely to filament from cocoons produced by the caterpillars of several moth species of the genus Bombyx, commonly called silkworms. Silk is a continuous filament around each cocoon. It is freed by softening the cocoon in water and then locating the filament end; the filaments from several cocoons are unwound at the same time, sometimes with a slight twist, to form a single strand. In the process called throwing, several very thin strands are twisted together to make thicker, stronger yarn. Silk was discovered in China sometime before 2700 BC, and the secret of its production was closely guarded for millennia. Along with jade and spices, silk was the primary commodity traded along the Silk Road beginning about 100 BC. Since World War II, nylon and other synthetic fibres have replaced silk in many applications (e.g., parachutes, hosiery, dental floss), but silk remains an important luxury material for clothing and home furnishings. More than 50% of the world's silk is still produced in China.