Smooth as Corn Silk

Corn silk

Corn silk is a common name for Stigma maydis, the shiny, thread-like, weak fibers that grow as part of ears of corn (maize); the tuft or tassel of silky fibers that protrude from the tip of the ear of corn. The ear is enclosed in modified leaves called husks. Each individual fiber is an elongated style, attached to an individual ovary. The term probably originated sometime between 1850 and 1855.

Maize

Maize, also known as corn, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain. The leafy stalk of the plant gives rise to male inflorescences or tassels which produce pollen, and female inflorescences called ears. The ears yield grain, known as kernels or seeds. In modern commercial varieties, these are usually yellow or white; other varieties can be of many colors. Maize was domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 9,000 years ago from wild teosinte. Native Americans planted it alongside beans and squashes in the Three Sisters polyculture.

Silk

Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven or knitted into textiles. The protein fiber of silk is composed mainly of fibroin (75-80%) and a smaller coating of sericin (20-25%). It is most commonly produced from the cocoons of certain insect larvae. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori, which are reared in captivity (sericulture).

Maize (color)

The shade maize or corn refers to a specific tone of yellow; it is named for the cereal of the same name—maize. In public usage, maize can be applied to a variety of shades, ranging from light yellow to a dark shade that borders on orange, since the color of maize may vary.

smooth

Adjective

1. Having a texture that lacks friction. Not rough.
2. Without difficulty, problems, or unexpected consequences or incidents.

Adverb

1. Smoothly.

corn

Noun

1. Any cereal plant (or its grain) that is the main crop or staple of a country or region.
2. Maize, a grain crop of the species Zea mays.

Verb

1. To granulate; to form (a substance) into grains.
2. To preserve using coarse salt, e.g. corned beef.

silk

Noun

1. A fine fiber excreted by the silkworm or other arthropod (such as a spider).
2. A thread or yarn made from silk fibers.

Verb

1. To develop silk.
2. To remove the silk from (corn).