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Byssus

6 lettersnounrare

Updated June 2026

Definition

A cluster of strong silky threads produced by certain molluscs, such as mussels, to anchor themselves firmly to a fixed surface.

The byssus held the mussel fast to the harbour wall despite the surging tide.

Pronunciation

Syllables

bys·sus

Related Words

Synonyms

fibrethreadfilament

Word Game Tips

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Wordle

Double S at the end (positions 5 and 6) is unusual, starts with BY, a specialist biology term unlikely to appear in standard Wordle

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Scrabble

Y (4 pts) and two S tiles are useful, rare word that can help clear a vowel-heavy or S-heavy rack in one play

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Dictionary References

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