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Glite Dictionary
packthread

packthread

9.9
A strong string made from three twisted strands used for tying packages or sewing sacks
  • noun
  • /ˈpækˌθrɛd/
  • Archaic
translation icon : hilo de atar
  • He bought some packthread from the store to tie up the boxes for shipping.

Examples

  • The seamstress used packthread to securely bind the fabric together for the quilt.

  • With packthread in hand, she carefully wrapped the packages for the post office.

  • There is no more significance to these references, perhaps, than the mundane handiness of packthread.

    Academic text (2016)

Synonyms

tie
vspackthread
107 1.0

A piece of string or ribbon used to fasten things together

is a specific three ply sewing and packing thread, not a general fastening cord
twine
vspackthread
28 3.2

A thin strong string used for tying things

is a specific three ply form, stronger than general two or more strand thread

How Strong

cable
  • Specialized
282 2.4
rope
614 1.0
cord
176 1.0
packthread
  • Archaic
9.9
twine
28 3.2
string
222 1.0

Surface Forms

packthread singular
packthreads plural

Morphology

packthread = pack + thread (transparent) = pack + thread

The compound literally denotes a thread used for packing or tying packages, a meaning directly inferable from 'pack' + 'thread'.

Etymology

Packthread comes from the words pack ('bundle' or 'to pack') and thread ('a strong string'), and it was the name for the strong twine used to tie or sew packages. So, packthread still means a heavy thread or twine for tying and mending parcels.