I. ˈsilk, ˈsiu̇k noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English selk, silk, from Old English sioloc, seolc, probably of Baltic or Slavic origin; akin to Old Prussian silkas silk, Old Slavic shelkŭ
1. : a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons ; especially : the lustrous tough elastic hygroscopic fiber that is produced by silkworms by secreting from two glands viscous fluid in the form of two filaments consisting principally of fibroin cemented into a single strand by sericin and solidifying in air, that is capable of being reeled in a single strand from the cocoon, and that with or without boiling off the sericin is used for textiles
2.
a. : thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments — see spun silk
b. : strands of silk thread of various thicknesses and plain or braided used as suture material in surgery
surgical silk
silk technique
3.
a. : a garment (as a dress) of silk : silk apparel
a crowd dressed in silk
printed silks on sale today
wear silk
b.
(1) : a gown worn by a King's or Queen's Counsel or barrister of high rank appointed by the lord chancellor
(2) : a King's or Queen's Counsel
(3) : the rank or persons entitled to such a gown — see silk gown
c. silks plural : the colored cap and blouse of a jockey or harness horse driver made in the registered racing color of the stable for which he is riding or driving in a particular race
4.
a. : a filament resembling silk but produced by some other organism: as
(1) : the filament produced by various spiders especially in building their webs and used for cloth and telescopic sights
(2) : the byssal thread of a mollusk of the genus Pinna
b. : a thread of such material or of wire (as used in a sieve of a sifter in flour milling)
5.
a. : corn silk
b. : a style of corn silk — compare tassel I 2a
6. : inclusions of minute crystals that impart a silky luster to a gem (as a ruby)
7. : silk sponge
8. : parachute
pack the silk
the silk opened
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from silk (I)
1. : relating to or made of silk : silken
a silk ribbon
2. : resembling silk
III. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: silk (I)
transitive verb
1. : to fashion of or cover with silk
2. : to strip (an ear of corn) of silk
intransitive verb
1. : blossom — used of corn
inbred lines were pollinated at successive intervals after silking — R.H.Andrew
2. : to develop a striated appearance and luster suggestive of silk cloth — used of varnish and enamels