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Glite Dictionary
silkworm moth

silkworm moth

4.7
A moth whose caterpillars make silk threads used to make cloth
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪlkwɜrm mɔθ/
translation icon : polilla del gusano de seda
  • The silkworm moth is crucial for silk production.

Examples

  • Farmers carefully tend to the silkworm moths to ensure high-quality silk production.

  • The silkworm moth is cultivated extensively for its ability to produce valuable silk threads.

  • After completing its pupal stage, the silkworm moth emerges and lays eggs for the next generation.

  • Many farmers raise silkworm moths for their cocoons.

  • The larva of the silkworm moth is known for producing high-quality silk used in textiles.

  • Many farmers raise silkworm moths to harvest silk for making clothes and accessories.

  • The silkworm moth plays a vital role in the silk industry, contributing to both economy and culture.

Synonyms

Bombyx mori
vssilkworm moth
  • Specialized
9.1

An Asian moth kept by people whose caterpillar, the silkworm, makes silk for cloth

is the general term for any moth whose larvae produce silk not only that species
domesticated silkworm moth
vssilkworm moth
  • Specialized
8.1

A creamy white Asian moth bred by people whose caterpillars make most silk

is broader and applies to any moth species that makes silk naturally or commercially
domestic silkworm moth
vssilkworm moth
7.2

A small moth that people breed to make silk

is the wider name covering any moth whose larvae produce silk
bombycid moth
vssilkworm moth
  • Indian
9.9

A medium-sized Asian moth whose caterpillars eat mulberry leaves and make silk

is the more specific term for moths that produce silk, focused on certain species
bombycid
vssilkworm moth
  • Specialized
9.9

A medium-sized moth from Asia whose caterpillars eat mulberry leaves and make silk

is used most often for moths that produce silk, especially the domesticated species

How Big

giant silkworm moth
  • Specialized
7.7
silkworm moth
4.7
moth
71 1.0

Surface Forms

silkworm moth singular
silkworm moths plural

Morphology

silkworm + moth

The meaning 'a moth whose larvae produce silk' is directly compositional from 'silkworm' (a caterpillar that produces silk) + 'moth' (an insect), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer the referent. This noun–noun compound follows transparent compounding patterns common across languages, making it easily comprehensible to B1 learners.

Etymology

Silkworm moth comes from a clear image: it is a moth whose young are called silkworms because those caterpillars spin 'silk' to make their cocoons. So the name means a moth kept and bred for 'silk' production.