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Silk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงฃ
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silk

[sษชlk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fabric material

Silk is a fine, strong, soft, and shiny fiber produced by silkworms for making thread and fabric.

Synonyms

chiffon, sateen, satin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silk

Use 'silk' when referring to luxury and high-quality fabric often used in elegant clothing, bedding, or accessories such as scarves. Silk is known for its smooth texture and sheen.

  • She wore a beautiful silk dress to the wedding
  • They have silk sheets on their bed
satin

Use 'satin' when referring to a glossy, smooth fabric that can be made from various materials including silk and polyester. It is often used in evening wear, lingerie, and wedding dresses.

  • She chose a red satin gown for the gala
  • They purchased satin pillowcases for a touch of luxury
sateen

Use 'sateen' when referring to a type of cotton fabric with a smooth surface and a slight sheen, typically used for bed linens and casual clothing. It is softer and silkier than standard cotton.

  • The new bedding set is made from sateen, making it incredibly soft
  • He prefers sateen shirts for casual outings
chiffon

Use 'chiffon' when referring to a lightweight, sheer fabric often used in evening gowns, bridal wear, and delicate blouses. It drapes well and creates a flowing look.

  • The bride chose a chiffon gown for her special day
  • This blouse is made of chiffon and is perfect for a summer evening

Examples of usage

  • Her dress was made of silk.
  • The silk scarf felt smooth against her skin.
Context #2 | Noun

thread material

Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles.

Synonyms

fiber, filament, strand.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silk

This term is used to describe a fine, smooth material produced by silkworms. It is often associated with luxury and high-quality. Suitable for fashion, textiles, and luxury items.

  • She wore a beautiful silk dress to the party.
  • The scarf felt incredibly soft because it was made from pure silk.
fiber

This word is commonly used in the context of materials and nutrition. In materials, it refers to a thread-like substance, while in nutrition, it refers to dietary fiber found in food.

  • This fabric is made from natural fibers.
  • A high-fiber diet is essential for good health.
filament

Filament is typically used to describe a very fine, thin strand of something, often in scientific and technical contexts such as 3D printing or lighting.

  • The light bulb stopped working because the filament broke.
  • 3D printers use filaments of plastic to create objects.
strand

Strand is often used to describe a single piece of thread, hair, or fiber. It can also be used metaphorically to describe elements of a story or complicated situation.

  • I found a strand of hair on my shirt.
  • The writer skillfully intertwined multiple strands of the plot.

Examples of usage

  • She spun the silk into a delicate fabric.
  • The silk thread was used for embroidery.
Context #3 | Verb

cover with silk

To silk something means to cover it with silk or a similar fabric.

Synonyms

cover, drape, wrap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
silk

Used when referring to a luxurious, soft fabric often used for clothing or bedding.

  • She wore a beautiful silk dress to the party.
  • The silk sheets felt incredibly smooth.
cover

Appropriate for describing something that is used to protect or conceal another object.

  • Please cover the cake so it doesn't dry out.
  • The phone's cover was scratched.
wrap

Commonly used to describe the action of enclosing something in a material, such as wrapping presents or wrapping oneself in a blanket.

  • She decided to wrap the gift in colorful paper.
  • He likes to wrap himself in a cozy blanket while watching TV.
drape

Typically used when talking about hanging fabric in a loose, decorative manner, often for curtains or other fabric decorations.

  • She decided to drape the scarf over the chair.
  • The curtains drape beautifully across the window.

Examples of usage

  • The interior designer decided to silk the walls for a luxurious look.
  • She silked the chair cushions for a more elegant appearance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • Silk production began in ancient China around 2700 BC, primarily associated with the goddess Leizu.
  • The Silk Road was a vital trade route that linked China to Europe, facilitating cultural and economic exchange.

Cultural Significance

  • In many Asian cultures, silk symbolizes wealth and social status, often used for royal attire.
  • Silk garments are traditionally worn during important celebrations and ceremonies, such as weddings.

Science and Biology

  • Silk is made from proteins secreted by silkworms, specifically the species Bombyx mori.
  • The molecular structure of silk allows it to be both strong and soft, making it unique among fibers.

Fashion and Art

  • Silk is a favorite fabric in fashion design for creating elegant and luxurious garments.
  • Famous artists, like Liu Bolin, have used silk as a medium to create visually stunning art pieces.

Origin of 'silk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'silk' comes from the Old English 'seolh', which traces back to the Latin โ€˜sericumโ€™ meaning 'silk'.
  • Different cultures have their own terms for this fabric; for example, in Mandarin, itโ€™s called โ€˜sฤซโ€™ (ไธ).

The history of silk dates back to ancient China, where legend has it that silk was first discovered by the Empress Xi Ling Shi. The silk industry later spread along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting the East and West. Silk production was a closely guarded secret in China for centuries, with silk fabrics becoming highly sought after luxury goods in the Western world. Today, silk continues to be valued for its luxurious feel and lustrous appearance.

See also: silky.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,983, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.