<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><!DOCTYPE Zthes SYSTEM "http://zthes.z3950.org/xml/zthes-05.dtd">  <Zthes><term><termId>31437003</termId><termName>byssus</termName><termType>PT</termType><termNote><![CDATA[ Term used in ancient times for a fiber (and by extension, fabric) highly prized for its fineness, which was once the basis of a small textile manufacturing industry centered around the Italian Mediterranean. 'Byssus' was used to describe a variety of substances, leading to confusion and controversy over its proper denotation. Some scholars view byssus as simply a generic term covering a host of fiber proteins and products manufactured from them; others insist that the term specifically describes shellfish derived 'sea-silk'. Usage extends to both. ]]></termNote><termCreatedDate>2026-03-30 20:57:50</termCreatedDate><relation><relationType>UF</relationType><termId>31437004</termId><termName>bissus</termName><termType>ND</termType></relation><relation><relationType>BT</relationType><termId>31410936</termId><termName>textile materials by composition or origin</termName><termType>PT</termType></relation></term>  </Zthes>