silk 
(sĭlk)
(sĭlk)n.
1.
a. A fine lustrous fiber composed mainly of fibroin and produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons, especially the strong, elastic, fibrous secretion of silkworms used to make thread and fabric.
b. Thread or fabric made from this fiber.
c. A garment made from this fabric.
2.
a. A silky filamentous material spun by a spider or an insect such as a webspinner.
b. A silky filamentous material produced by a plant, such as the styles forming a tuft on an ear of corn.
3. silks The brightly colored identifying garments of a jockey or harness driver.
adj.
Composed of or similar to the fiber or the fabric silk.
intr.v. silked, silk·ing, silks
To develop silk. Used of corn.
[Middle English, from Old English sioloc, probably of Slavic origin (akin to Old Church Slavonic šelkŭ), ultimately from Greek sērikon, neuter of sērikos, silken; see SERGE1.]
silktop: jockey silks
bottom: ear of corn
silk