Silkworm
/ˈsɪlk.wɜːrm/noun
The caterpillar of the silk moth, known for producing silk.
Did you know?In ancient China, silkworms were so revered that their breeding was a state secret, punishable by death if revealed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sēkw-
“to follow, to pursue, indicating the process of silk production.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σῖλκος (sílkos)
“silk, related to the luxurious fabric derived from the silkworm.”
Latin
Latin
sericum
“silk, a term borrowed from Greek, emphasizing the fabric's exotic nature.”
Old French
Old French
soie
“silk, evolving from Latin, bringing the word into medieval European languages.”
Middle English
Middle English
silk
“the soft, lustrous thread produced by silkworms, signifying wealth and status.”
Modern English
English
silkworm
“the larval form of the silk moth, specifically bred for silk production.”