Byssus, plural "byssi", derives from Hebrew būṣ 'fine linen,' Aramaic bus, Greek βύσσος – 'a very fine yellowish flax and the linen woven from it', Latin byssus – 'fine cotton or cotton stuff', 'silk' and via New Latin to 'sea silk'. As may be seen above, the word byssus not only refers to the excretions of seashells, as sometimes assumed, but was originally used for various fine threads and cloths. An exceptionally fine and… (More on Byssus)