First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
byssus
noun bys·sus \ˈbi-səs\
plural bys·sus·es or bys·si \-ˌsī, -(ˌ)sē\
Definition of BYSSUS
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 (as mussels) adhere to a surface
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Origin of BYSSUS
Middle English bissus, from Latin byssus, from Greek byssos flax, of Semitic origin; akin to Hebrew būṣ linen cloth
Rhymes with BYSSUS
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