Silk is a protein based, fibrous material produced by spiders and some insects. Silk is liquid when it is squeezed out of the spinneret but turns into elastic fibres when stretched and exposed to air.


It has a wide variety of uses; some animals use silk to protect themselves or their eggs, to catch prey, to glide on air currents or lower themselves through the air.


Associated Terms: Gossamer


Also see:
Spinneret