What is another word for byssus?
Pronunciation: [bˈa͡ɪsəs] (IPA) 
Byssus is a term that refers to fine, silky fibers produced by certain marine mollusks, such as mussels, to anchor themselves to rocks and other surfaces. Synonyms for byssus include beard, sea silk, silk of the sea, and beard of the mollusk. The word beard is used because byssus fibers resemble the beard of a human or animal. Sea silk is a highly valued and rare material that is made from the byssus fibers of a specific mollusk species. The term silk of the sea is used to describe the fine, shiny texture of the byssus fibers, while beard of the mollusk refers to the beard-like appearance of the fibers.
