Definition

Noun: 1. A type of wild silkworm: "Tusser" refers to a moth, specifically Antheraea paphia and related species, whose larvae produce a type of silk. 2. The silk produced by this moth: The word can also refer to the brownish, coarse, and durable silk fiber (tussah silk) spun by these silkworms.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to the insect:

  • The tusser is an important insect for non-mulberry silk production.
  • Unlike the domesticated silkworm, the tusser feeds on oak and other forest leaves.

• Referring to the silk:

  • Her shawl was made from fine tusser.
  • Tusser is valued for its natural earthy color and texture.

Advanced Usage

• "Tusser silk": The full term for the fabric, often used to specify the material.
  • The designer's collection featured elegant dresses in tusser silk.

Variants and Related Words

• Tussah (noun): A common alternative spelling for both the moth and the silk.
  • Tussah silk is often used in upholstery.
• Tussur (noun): Another less common variant spelling.
• Tussore (noun): Another variant spelling, particularly in British English.

Synonyms

• Wild silk: A general term for silk produced by undomesticated silkworms, including tusser.
• Shantung: A type of fabric traditionally woven from tussah silk, characterized by a slubbed texture.

Notes on Meaning

The primary meaning of "tusser" is the silkworm species. Its secondary meaning, the silk itself, is a metonymic shift where the producer's name is used for the product. The word is most frequently encountered in the context of textiles and fashion.

Noun

1. oriental moth that produces brownish silk