1.
cocoon
The protective silk casing spun by silkworm larvae before they transform into moths. Also used for cocoons of other insects. Historically important in Japan as the basis of the silk industry.
蚕が繭を作る。
The silkworm makes a cocoon.
白い繭から絹糸がとれる。
Silk thread is obtained from white cocoons.
かつてこの地方では繭の生産が盛んだった。
Cocoon production used to be thriving in this region.
CULTURE:
Silk production (養蚕) was a major industry in Japan from the Meiji era through the early 20th century. Many rural areas in central Japan, especially Gunma Prefecture, were known for raising silkworms and producing cocoons. The Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 繭を作る: spin a cocoon
- 繭から糸をとる: extract thread from a cocoon
- 繭の生産: cocoon production
- 生繭: fresh cocoons