raw silk thread
Refers to silk thread in its natural, unprocessed state, before degumming or dyeing. Common in textile and historical contexts.
Raw silk thread is the raw material for silk fabric.
During the Meiji period, Japan was a major exporter of raw silk thread.
This region has produced raw silk since long ago.
During the Meiji era, Japan exported large amounts of raw silk.
The price of raw silk is rising due to the economic downturn.
生糸 refers specifically to raw, unprocessed silk thread straight from the cocoon, whereas 蚕糸 is a broader term covering silk thread in general, including after some processing.
Compound of 生 (ki, 'raw, unprocessed') + 糸 (ito, 'thread'). The reading きいと is a straightforward combination of the kun'yomi readings of the two kanji.