byssus — English Dictionary

Noun

1. 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.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

2. Sea silk manufactured from these filaments.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

3. The stipe or stem of some fungi which are particularly thin and thread-like.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

Noun

1. tuft of strong filaments by which e.g. a mussel makes itself fast to a fixed surface

   Synonyms

   beard

   Broader terms

   fiberfibre