What does sericulture mean?
Sericulture is the practice of raising silkworms and producing raw silk. It includes managing the silkworm life cycle, providing suitable food and conditions, and collecting silk from the cocoons in which the larvae spin themselves. The term is most often used in agriculture, textile history, economics, and public policy, especially when discussing regions where silk production is an established industry. In ordinary writing, sericulture is a specialized and generally formal term; “silk farming” and “silkworm rearing” are plainer alternatives. The word combines Latin sēricum, meaning silk, with cultūra, meaning cultivation. Its history is bound to the long movement of silk production across Asia and to later efforts to establish or expand sericulture elsewhere. Though it may sound narrow, sericulture names a complete production process rather than merely the cultivation of a crop: the silk used in thread and fabric begins with a living insect. The word is therefore useful for discussing not only agriculture and manufacturing but also trade, labor, technology, and cultural history.
nounThe cultivation of silkworms and the production of raw silk, usually as part of an agricultural or commercial enterprise.
- The cultivation of silkworms and production of raw silk.
"The region has long been associated with sericulture and the production of fine silk thread."
"Sericulture requires close control of the conditions in which silkworms are raised."
"The historical museum explores sericulture and the trade routes that carried silk across Asia."
The plural is uncommon; sericulture is normally used as a mass noun.
"Sericultures in different regions have developed distinct techniques for raising silkworms."
Sericulture turns the silkworm's silk-spinning instinct into one of history's most prized textile industries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sericulture come from?
The English word sericulture was formed in the 18th century from Latin sēricum, meaning “silk,” and cultūra, meaning “cultivation.” Latin sēricum derives from Greek sērikón, a term associated with silk and the Sēres, the ancient Greek name for people associated with China. Related English forms such as seric and sericeous retain the same silk-derived Latin root.
Related word forms
How sericulture is actually used
Sericulture is a specialized, generally formal term used in agriculture, textile production, economics, and historical research. It is usually treated as a mass noun rather than as a countable activity.
Easily confused with sericulture
Sericulture is the cultivation of silkworms for silk production, whereas silviculture is the cultivation and management of forest trees.