noun. 1  1A mill or factory which processes food. 2  2A hand-operated kitchen utensil for purÃ©eing or straining food, having a rotating blade which pushes food through a perforated metal disc.
Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fibre of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity.ilk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fibre of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity.
Figurative use of silk-stocking (n.) is from 1590s; as an adjective meaning wealthy it is attested from 1798, American English (silk stockings, especially worn by men, being regarded as extravagant and reprehensible, indicative of luxurious habits). Silk-screen (n.) is first attested 1930; as a verb from 1961. Silk road so called in English from 1931. Online Etymology Dictionary, Â© 2010 Douglas Harper Cite This Source