Byssus (Noun)
Meaning
Tuft of strong filaments by which e.g. a mussel makes itself fast to a fixed surface.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Mussels use a byssus to anchor themselves to rocks and other underwater surfaces.
- The byssus of a mussel is made up of a bundle of thin, strong filaments that provide strong attachment to surfaces.
- When a mussel feels threatened, it can release its byssus and move to a new location.
- The byssus of a mussel is also used for defense against predators, making it harder for them to pry the mussel loose.
- Ships' hulls can become fouled with mussels that have attached themselves using their byssus, leading to increased drag and fuel consumption.