lisle thread
- noun
- /laɪl θrɛd/
- Archaic
:
hilo de lisle
- She prefers socks made with lisle thread because they are softer and more durable.
Examples
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The delicate gloves were finely knit from white lisle thread.
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Lisle thread is often chosen for high-quality undergarments due to its smoothness.
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The dress was made from lisle thread.
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She prefers using lisle threads for her knitting projects.
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Lisle thread is commonly used in the production of high-quality hosiery due to its durability.
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The lightweight fabric of her dress was crafted from lisle thread, making it both strong and elegant.
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Many knitters choose lisle thread for its smooth texture and resistance to fraying.
Synonyms
How Fine
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a transparent noun compound where 'lisle' specifies a type of cotton yarn and 'thread' denotes a thin cord, so 'lisle thread' simply means a thread made of lisle. This modifier+head (material + object) composition is a common, predictable pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
Lisle thread may come from the French town of Lille, where people once made very fine cotton yarn for delicate garments. Because lisle became a name for that very smooth, strong thread, the phrase now means a high-quality cotton thread used for socks and gloves.