floss

 
Pronunciation: /flɒs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the rough silk enveloping a silkworm’s cocoon.
  • (also floss silk) untwisted silk fibres used in embroidery.
  • the silky down in maize and other plants: milkweed floss

verb

  • 1 [with object] clean between (one’s teeth) with dental floss.
  • 2 [no object] black slang behave in a flamboyant manner; show off.

Origin:

mid 18th century: from French (soie) floche 'floss (silk)', from Old French flosche 'down, nap of velvet', of unknown origin