Silk: Definition, Examples, and Common Uses

Meaning 1：smooth fabric (Silk)

Silk 🔊

/sɪlk/

A smooth and shiny fabric made from silkworm threads, often used for elegant clothing.

Shiny silk fabric draped elegantly on a table

smooth fabric 🔊

➕

/smuːð ˈfæbrɪk/

A natural protein fiber produced by silkworms, woven into a soft, shiny fabric highly valued for its elegance and comfort.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'seolc', via Latin 'sericum' (silkworm).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'slick' for smoothness. Silk is smooth fabric. Imagine a smooth silk ribbon.

📖 Example

She bought a silk scarf at the market because it felt so soft and looked elegant. 🔊 She bought a silk scarf at the market because it felt so soft and looked elegant.

🔗 Collocations

silk scarf – a scarf made of silk

silk dress – a dress made of silk

silk road – an ancient trade route connecting East and West, famous for silk trade

🔄 Synonyms

satin (n.) – A smooth, glossy fabric, usually made of silk or rayon, similar in feel to silk.

velvet (n.) – A soft, luxurious fabric with a dense pile of short fibers, often used for formal wear.

🚫 Antonyms

burlap (n.) – A coarse, plain-woven fabric made from jute or hemp, opposite of silk in texture.

canvas (n.) – A heavy, coarse-woven cloth used for tents or paintings, contrasting with silk's delicacy.

🌱 Derivatives

silky (adj.) – Having a smooth, soft texture like silk.

silkiness (n.) – The quality of being smooth and soft like silk.

silkworm (n.) – The caterpillar that produces silk fibers for its cocoon.

📖 Cultural Story

Silk originated in ancient China, where sericulture was kept secret for centuries. The Silk Road brought this luxurious fabric to Europe, transforming fashion.