— byssaceous /bi say"sheuhs/ , byssoid , adj. — byssal , adj.
/bis"euhs/ , n. , pl. byssuses, byssi /bis"uy/ .
1. Zool. a collection of silky filaments by which certain mollusks attach themselves to rocks.
2. an ancient cloth, thought to be of linen, cotton, or silk.
[ 1350-1400; ME býssos a fine cotton or linen buts ]