bys·sus (b s  s)n. pl. bys·sus·es or bys·si (b s  ) 1. Zoology A mass of strong, silky filaments by which certain bivalve mollusks, such as mussels, attach themselves to rocks and other fixed surfaces. 2. A fine-textured linen of ancient times, used by the Egyptians for wrapping mummies. [Middle English bissus, linen cloth, from Latin, from Greek bussos, linen; akin to Sanskrit picu  , cotton (of Dravidian origin), or ultimately from Egyptian w' , linen.]bys sal (bsl) adj. |
byssus [ˈbɪsəs]
n pl byssuses, byssi [ˈbɪsaɪ]
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a mass of strong threads secreted by a sea mussel or similar mollusc that attaches the animal to a hard fixed surface
[from Latin, from Greek bussos linen, flax, ultimately of Egyptian origin]
byssus - tuft of strong filaments by which e.g. a mussel makes itself fast to a fixed surfaceWant to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
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