Byssogenous

/bɪˈsɒdʒənəs/ adjective

Definition

Producing or secreting byssus; capable of generating the adhesive thread-like filaments characteristic of mussels and similar organisms.

Etymology

From Latin 'byssus' + Greek '-genous' (producing or causing). This technical adjective developed in marine biology to describe organisms with the biological capacity to manufacture their own attachment fibers.

Kelly Says

Only certain mollusks are 'byssogenous'—they've evolved this incredible ability to literally manufacture living threads, which is way cooler than anything humans could do with the same materials!

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