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Silken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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silken

[ˈsɪlkən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

texture description

The term 'silken' describes something that has the smooth, soft texture of silk. It is often used to characterize items that exhibit a luxurious feel, such as fabrics, foods, or even certain types of skin. The word evokes a sense of elegance and refinement, suggesting a quality that is delicate yet appealing. In culinary contexts, it can also refer to a type of tofu that has a creamy consistency.

Synonyms

luxurious, sleek, smooth, soft.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a silken gown at the gala.
  • The chef prepared a silken tofu dish.
  • He admired the silken finish of the fabric.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Textiles

  • Silk is produced by silkworms, primarily from the larvae of the Bombyx mori moth.
  • Silk fabric is highly valued for its luster, drape, and ability to regulate temperature, making it comfortable to wear in various climates.
  • There are different types of silk, such as mulberry, tussah, and wild silk, each possessing unique qualities.

Cultural Significance

  • Silk has historically been a symbol of wealth and luxury, often reserved for nobility and the elite.
  • The Silk Road was an ancient trade route that connected the East and West, facilitating cultural and economic exchange and spreading silk across continents.
  • In some cultures, silk is associated with important life events, such as weddings, where silk garments are traditionally worn.

Art and Literature

  • In art, silken materials have been used to convey elegance and grace, often found in portraits depicting royalty.
  • Silk plays a crucial role in literature, often symbolizing softness, beauty, and sensuality in poems and stories.
  • Silk fabric has been popular in theatrical productions, enhancing costumes' aesthetic value and enhancing the performance's atmosphere.

Science

  • Silk has unique properties, such as being stronger than steel and more elastic than rubber, making it a subject of scientific study for various applications.
  • Research into the structure of silk has applications in biomedical fields, such as creating sutures and scaffolds for tissue engineering.
  • Silk proteins can be engineered for new materials, leading to innovative advancements in fashion, medicine, and technology.

Origin of 'silken'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'silk', which traces back to the Old French 'soie' and ultimately to Latin 'sericum', meaning 'silk'.
  • Silk has been known to humanity for thousands of years, with its origins thought to be in China over 5,000 years ago.
  • The word has been used not only to describe fabric but also to convey softness and delicacy in various contexts.

The word 'silken' has its origins in the Old English word 'seolh', which refers to silk itself. Silk has been valued since ancient times for its luster and softness, particularly in cultures that developed sericulture, the practice of raising silkworms to produce silk. The adjective 'silken' began to be used in Middle English, deriving from the Latin 'sericum', meaning silk. Over time, it has evolved to describe not only the material of silk but also anything that possesses similar qualities of smoothness and grace. Its usage expanded beyond textiles to various fields, including gastronomy and art, reflecting the versatility and allure of silk as an essential luxury material.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,198, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.