n. & v.
--n.
1. the rough silk enveloping a silkworm's cocoon.
2 untwisted silk thread used in embroidery.
3 dental floss.
--v.tr. (also absol.) clean (the teeth) with dental floss.
Phrases and idioms:
floss silk a rough silk used in cheap goods.
Etymology: F (soie) floche floss(-silk) f. OF flosche down, nap of velvet