Definition of Silkworm

1. Noun. The commercially bred hairless white caterpillar of the domestic silkworm moth which spins a cocoon that can be processed to yield silk fiber; the principal source of commercial silk.

Group relationships: Bombyx, Genus Bombyx
Generic synonyms: Caterpillar
Terms within: Sericterium, Serictery, Silk Gland

2. Noun. Larva of a saturniid moth; spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon.
Exact synonyms: Giant Silkworm, Wild Wilkworm
Group relationships: Family Saturniidae, Saturniidae
Specialized synonyms: Ailanthus Silkworm, Samia Cynthia
Generic synonyms: Caterpillar
Terms within: Sericterium, Serictery, Silk Gland

Definition of Silkworm

1. n. The larva of any one of numerous species of bombycid moths, which spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon before changing to a pupa.

Definition of Silkworm

1. Noun. Any of various caterpillars of moths that produce silk cocoons, especially ''Bombyx mori'' which is the source of most commercial silk. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Silkworm

1. a caterpillar that spins a cocoon of silk fibers [n -S]

Medical Definition of Silkworm

1. The larva of any one of numerous species of bombycid moths, which spins a large amount of strong silk in constructing its cocoon before changing to a pupa. The common species (Bombyx mori) feeds onm the leaves of the white mulberry tree. It is native of China, but has long been introduced into other countries of Asia and Europe, and is reared on a large scale. In America it is reared only to small extent. The Ailanthus silkworm (Philosamia cynthia) is a much larger species, of considerable importance, which has been introduced into Europe and America from China. The most useful American species is the Polyphemus. See Polyphemus. Pernyi silkworm, the larva of the Pernyi moth. See Pernyi moth. Silkworm gut, a substance prepared from the contents of the silk glands of silkworms and used in making lines for angling. See Gut. Silkworm rot, a disease of silkworms; muscardine. Origin: AS. Seolcwyrm. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Silkworm

silks
silkscreen
silkscreened
silkscreening
silkscreens
silktail
silktails
silkware
silkwares
silkwear
silkweed
silkweeds
silkwoman
silkwomen
silkwood
silkworm (current term)
silkworm moth
silkworm seed
silkworms
silky
silky anteater
silky cornel
silky dogwood
silky elm
silky oak
silky pocket mouse
silky tamarin
silky terrier
silky willow
silky wisteria

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