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byssus

noun
bys·​sus | \ ˈbi-sÉ™s How to pronounce byssus (audio) \
plural byssuses or byssi\ ˈbi-​ËŒsÄ« How to pronounce byssi (audio) , -​(ËŒ)sÄ“ \

Definition of byssus

1 : a fine probably linen cloth of ancient times
2 [ New Latin, from Latin ] : a tuft of long tough filaments by which some bivalve mollusks (such as mussels) adhere to a surface

First Known Use of byssus

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for byssus

Middle English bissus, from Latin byssus, from Greek byssos flax, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew būṣ linen cloth

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More from Merriam-Webster on byssus

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with byssus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about byssus

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