sericulture

[ ser-i-kuhl-cher ]

noun

1. the raising of silk worms for the production of raw silk.

sericulture

/ ˈsɛrɪˌkʌltʃə /

noun

1. the rearing of silkworms for the production of raw silk

Derived Forms

• ˌseriˈculturist, noun
• ˌseriˈcultural, adjective

Other Words From

• seri·cultur·al adjective
• seri·cultur·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sericulture¹

1850–55; < Greek sḗr silkworm + -i- + culture

Word History and Origins

Origin of sericulture¹

C19: via French; seri- from Latin sēricum silk, from Greek sērikos silken, from sēr a silkworm

Example Sentences

Legend says the island used to be famous for sericulture and farmers would keep cats because they would chase away rats, protecting the silkworm cocoons from the rodents.

From Seattle Times

The art of silk weaving and sericulture in Tuscany flourished in the 14th century; the main production was in Lucca, though it soon expanded to Florence, Venice and Genoa.

From New York Times

Many of these families practiced sericulture — the raising of silkworms and the production of silk — and silk weaving in Florence during the era of the House of Medici, which rose to power in the 15th century.

From New York Times

The International Sericulture Commission, which represents 21 silk-producing countries, last year filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission accusing the Higg ratings of “creating considerable damage to the natural fiber industry” and calling on the index to carry out a broader study of global production practices.

From New York Times

“They’re saying silk is 30 times worse than synthetic products. Can anyone really believe that?” said Dileep Kumar of the International Sericulture Commission.

From New York Times