byssus, beard
(noun) tuft of strong filaments by which e.g. a mussel makes itself fast to a fixed surface
Source: WordNet® 3.1
byssus (usually uncountable, plural byssi or byssuses)
An exceptionally fine and valuable fibre or cloth of ancient times. Originally used for fine flax and linens, the word was later extended to fine cottons, silks, and sea silk.
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.
(mycology) The stipe or stem of some fungi which are particularly thin and thread-like.
Source: Wiktionary
Bys"sus, n.; pl. E. Byssuses(#); L. Byssi.(#) Etym: [L. byssus fine flax, fine linen or cotton, Gr.
1. A cloth of exceedingly fine texture, used by the ancients. It is disputed whether it was of cotton, linen, or silk. [Written also byss and byssin.]
2. (Zoöl.)
Definition: A tuft of long, tough filaments which are formed in a groove of the foot, and issue from between the valves of certain bivalve mollusks, as the Pinna and Mytilus, by which they attach themselves to rocks, etc.
3. (Bot.)
Definition: An obsolete name for certain fungi composed of slender threads.
4. Asbestus.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
16 May 2025
(adjective) marked by columniation having free columns in porticoes either at both ends or at both sides of a structure
International Coffee Day (September 29) is an occasion to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage, with events occurring in places across the world. A day to promote fair trade coffee and raise awareness for the coffee growers’ plight. Other countries celebrate this event on October 1.
