Pronunciation: [sˈuːtəɹə] (IPA) 
The word "sutera" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /suˈtɛrə/. The first syllable is pronounced "su" with the "u" sound as in "put." The second syllable is pronounced "te" with the "e" sound as in "pet." The final syllable is pronounced "ra" with the "a" sound as in "car." This word may refer to silk or to silk-like fabrics, and it is often used in the fashion industry.
Sutera is a Malay word that carries multiple meanings depending on the context. One of the primary definitions of sutera refers to "silk," which is a fine and luxurious fabric known for its smooth texture and shiny appearance. Sutera is commonly woven from the cocoons of silkworms, and it has been highly valued throughout history for its beauty and elegance. Silk is often used in the creation of high-quality garments, such as traditional Malay attire like baju kurung or baju kebaya.
In addition to denoting the fabric, sutera can also refer to the silk-producing industry or the sericulture practice of cultivating silkworms to extract silk. This industry involves various stages, including rearing silkworms, cocoon harvesting, and processing the silk fibers to create different silk products.
Furthermore, the term sutera is also utilized metaphorically to describe the pure and smooth qualities akin to silk. When used metaphorically, sutera signifies qualities such as gracefulness, sophistication, and gentleness. It can characterize a person or an object that possesses these refined qualities, much like how silk is prized for its softness and elegant characteristics.
Overall, sutera encompasses various meanings associated with silk, including the fabric itself, the silk industry, as well as metaphorical references to qualities resembling silk's elegance and beauty.
The word "sutera" comes from the Italian language, specifically from the word "seta", which means "silk". "Sutera" is the Italian word for "silk". The etymology of the Italian word "seta" itself can be traced back to the Latin word "saeta", which means "hair" or "bristle". The Latin term "saeta" later evolved into "seta" in Italian to specifically refer to silk.
