silken
UK: ˈsɪlkən | US: ˈsɪlkən
adj. made of or resembling silk; soft, smooth, and lustrous
adj. (figuratively) delicate or refined in manner
The word "silken" derives from the noun "silk," which entered English via Old English "seolc," from Latin "sericum" (meaning "silk," originally from Greek "sērikon," referring to silk from the Seres, an ancient people of East Asia). The suffix "-en" is an Old English adjectival suffix used to indicate "made of" or "having the qualities of." Thus, "silken" literally means "made of silk" or "like silk," extending metaphorically to describe anything delicate or refined.
She wore a silken gown that shimmered under the ballroom lights.
The kitten’s fur was as soft and silken as a piece of fine fabric.
His voice was silken, soothing the agitated crowd.
The curtains were made of silken material, flowing gracefully in the breeze.
The diplomat’s silken words eased the tension between the two leaders.