Silkworm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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silkworm
[ˈsɪlkwɜːrm ]
Definition
biology, agriculture
A silkworm is the larval stage of the silk moth, specifically the Bombyx mori. These insects are well-known for their role in the production of silk, as they spin cocoons made of silk thread. Silkworms are typically raised in captivity for commercial silk production and are a significant component of sericulture. Their diet primarily consists of mulberry leaves, which are essential for their growth and development into moths.
Synonyms
Bombyx mori, silk moth larva.
Examples of usage
- The farmer raised silkworms to produce high-quality silk.
- Silkworms are a critical part of the silk industry.
- Silkworms spin cocoons that can be harvested for silk.
- In Asia, silkworm farming has a long and rich history.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In ancient China, silkworms were a closely guarded secret, and the production of silk was a major contributor to the Silk Road trade.
- Many traditional ceremonial garments in various cultures, like kimonos and saris, use silk made from silkworms.
- Silk production is significant in countries like China, India, and Japan, each having unique methods and cultural connections to the craft.
Biology
- Silkworms go through four life stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult moth.
- The larval stage can last about 4 to 6 weeks before they spin their cocoons, which are made of silk proteins.
- A single silkworm can produce a silk thread of around 1,000 to 3,000 feet long, which is collected for making fabrics.
Economics
- Silk is one of the most valuable natural fibers, with an estimated global market value of billions per year.
- The silk industry provides livelihoods for millions of farmers and workers around the world, especially in rural areas.
- Historically, silk was considered a luxury product and used to symbolize wealth and status.
Environmental Impact
- Silk farming is often viewed as more sustainable compared to synthetic fibers, as it uses fewer resources and is biodegradable.
- However, the industry faces challenges related to the treatment of the worms and production methods.
- Innovations in silk production are exploring ways to reduce environmental footprints and improve the welfare of silkworms.
Origin of 'silkworm'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'silkworm' comes from the Old English 'seoc', meaning 'silk', combined with 'worm', originally referring to larvae.
- In Latin, the term for silk is 'silk', and it highlights the long history of the use of this material.
- The scientific name for the common silkworm is 'Bombyx mori', which means 'the yellow silk moth' in Latin.
The word 'silkworm' has its origins in the Old English term 'seolc,' which derived from the Latin word 'sericum' meaning silk, combined with 'worm.' The domestication of silkworms dates back to ancient China, where it is believed that the practice began around 2700 BC. Legend has it that Empress Si Ling Chi discovered silk while drinking tea and saw a cocoon fall into her cup. This led to the development of sericulture, which is the cultivation of silkworms for silk production. Over centuries, knowledge of silkworm rearing and silk weaving spread along trade routes, particularly the Silk Road, connecting East and West. Today, silkworms are primarily cultivated in countries like China, India, and Japan, where they are integral to the economy and cultural heritage. The production of silk remains one of the oldest continuous industries in human history.