¹silk

noun, often attributive \ˈsilk\

: a smooth, soft, and shiny cloth that is made from thread produced by silkworms; also : the thread that is used to make silk

: the thread that is produced by a spider

: the thin strings in an ear of corn

Full Definition of SILK

: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons; especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles

: thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk filaments

a : a garment of silk

b (1) : a distinctive silk gown worn by a King's or Queen's Counsel (2) : a King's or Queen's Counsel

c plural : the colored cap and blouse of a jockey or harness horse driver made in the registered racing color of the employing stable

a : a filament resembling silk; especially : one produced by a spider

b : silky material <milkweed silk>; especially : the styles of an ear of Indian corn

: parachute

— silk·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective

See silk defined for English-language learners

See silk defined for kids

Origin of SILK

Middle English, from Old English seolc, sioluc, probably ultimately from Greek sērikos silken — more at sericeous

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with SILK

bilk, ilk, milch, milk

²silk

intransitive verb

Definition of SILK

of corn

: to develop the silk

First Known Use of SILK

1783

SILK Defined for Kids

silk

noun \ˈsilk\

Definition of SILK for Kids

: a fine fiber that is spun by many insect larvae usually to form their cocoon or by spiders to make their webs and that includes some kinds used for weaving cloth

: thread, yarn, or fabric made from silk

: the threadlike strands that are found over the kernels of an ear of corn

Medical Dictionary

silk

noun \ˈsilk\

Medical Definition of SILK

: a fine continuous protein fiber produced by various insect larvae usually for cocoons; especially : a lustrous tough elastic fiber produced by silkworms and used for textiles

: strands of silk thread of various thicknesses used as suture material in surgery <surgical silk>