Difference between revisions of "Gossamer"
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==Origin== | ==Origin== | ||
| − | [ | + | [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=English#ca._1100-1500_.09THE_MIDDLE_ENGLISH_PERIOD Middle English] ''gossomer'', from ''gos'' goose + ''somer'' summer, [[literally]] ‘summer thread' |
| − | *[ | + | *[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/14th_century 14th Century] |
==Definitions== | ==Definitions== | ||
*1: a film of cobwebs floating in air in calm clear [[weather]] | *1: a film of cobwebs floating in air in calm clear [[weather]] | ||
*2: something [[light]], delicate, or insubstantial <the gossamer of [[youth]]'s [[dreams]] — Andrea Parke> | *2: something [[light]], delicate, or insubstantial <the gossamer of [[youth]]'s [[dreams]] — Andrea Parke> | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | ''Spider silk'' is a [[protein]] fiber spun by [ | + | ''Spider silk'' is a [[protein]] fiber spun by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider spiders]. Spiders use their silk to make webs or other [[structures]], which function as nets to catch other [[animals]], or as nests or cocoons for [[protection]] for their offspring. They can also [[suspend]] themselves using their silk. |
| − | Many small spiders use silk threads for [ | + | Many small spiders use silk threads for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballooning_(spider) ballooning], the popular, though technically inaccurate, [[scientific]] term for the dynamic kiting[1][2] spiderlings (mostly) use for dispersal. They extrude several threads into the air and let themselves be carried away by upward winds. Although most rides will end a few yards later, it seems to be a common way for spiders to invade islands. Many sailors have reported that spiders have been caught in their ship's sails, even when far from land. The extremely fine silk used by spiders for ballooning is known as '''gossamer'''.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gossamer_%28spider_silk%29] |
[[Category: General Reference]] | [[Category: General Reference]] | ||
Latest revision as of 00:49, 13 December 2020
Origin
Middle English gossomer, from gos goose + somer summer, literally ‘summer thread'
Definitions
- 1: a film of cobwebs floating in air in calm clear weather
- 2: something light, delicate, or insubstantial <the gossamer of youth's dreams — Andrea Parke>
Description
Spider silk is a protein fiber spun by spiders. Spiders use their silk to make webs or other structures, which function as nets to catch other animals, or as nests or cocoons for protection for their offspring. They can also suspend themselves using their silk.
Many small spiders use silk threads for ballooning, the popular, though technically inaccurate, scientific term for the dynamic kiting[1][2] spiderlings (mostly) use for dispersal. They extrude several threads into the air and let themselves be carried away by upward winds. Although most rides will end a few yards later, it seems to be a common way for spiders to invade islands. Many sailors have reported that spiders have been caught in their ship's sails, even when far from land. The extremely fine silk used by spiders for ballooning is known as gossamer.[1]
