byssus
noun
bys·sus ˈbi-səs 
plural byssuses or byssi ˈbi-ˌsī
-(ˌ)sē
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Then comes the slightly tedious task, which is pulling off the byssus, or beard, a small length of what looks like black threads twisted together. 
Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020
Washington Post, 29 Oct. 2020 Word History
Etymology
Middle English bissus, from Latin byssus, from Greek byssos flax, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew būṣ linen cloth
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
- causative
- causatively
- causativenesses
- causatives
- causatum
- cause
- cause a vacuum
- cause celebre
- cause célèbre
- cause for concern
- cause list
- cause of action
- cause offense
- cause/create/leave a vacuum
- caused
- causeless
- causer
- causerie
- causeries
- causers
- causes
- causes celebres
- causes célèbres
- causeur
- causeuse