byssal
BIS-uhl
Definition
Relating to the strong, silky protein threads secreted by certain bivalve mollusks that allow them to anchor themselves firmly to hard underwater surfaces.
How do you pronounce byssal?
Byssal is pronounced BIS-uhl (IPA: //ˈbɪsəl//).
Where does byssal come from?
Derived from the Latin 'byssus' and Greek 'byssos,' originally referring to fine flax or cotton, and later applied to the fiber-like structures produced by mollusks.
In the news
The article describes how golden mussels use byssal threads to attach to essential infrastructure like pipes, pumps, and intake screens, leading to costly blockages and maintenance problems.
Golden mussels were first detected in California in 2024, and within a single year they had colonised the entire distribution system of the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District, forcing a 30-day chemical eradication that cost three million dollars
Read the full article ↗ScienceBlog.com
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In the same story
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