silkworm

views updated Jun 08 2018

silk·worm / ˈsilkˌwərm/ • n. the commercially bred caterpillar of the domesticated silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), which spins a silk cocoon that is processed to yield silk fiber. ∎  a commercial silk-yielding caterpillar of a saturniid moth. See tussore, tussore moth.

silkworm

views updated May 17 2018

silkworm Moth caterpillar that feeds chiefly on mulberry leaves. The common domesticated Bombyx mori is raised commercially for its silk cocoon. Length: 7.5 cm (3in). Family Bombycidae.