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thread

thread

23 3.0
A thin line that looks like smoke or light
  • noun
  • /θrɛd/
translation icon : hilo
  • Every mystical tradition has some form of this silver thread woven into the fabric of their belief.

Now the exposed branches have turned yellow, their threads crawling out from the scripted scene.

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Examples

Synonyms

line
vsthread
1.1

A long thin rope or wire used to carry things

is a long thin shape often used to describe appearance or figurative paths
cord
vsthread
176 1.0

A thin, flexible length of twisted fibers used for tying things

is a thin visible line used more for shape or figurative comparisons
strand
vsthread
58 3.1

A single thin piece of hair or thread

is used more broadly to name thin lines, including figurative examples like smoke
fiber
vsthread
  • US
50 3.0

A thin thread used to make cloth or yarn

is a thin visual or physical line often used figuratively rather than material
floss
vsthread
3 2.6

A soft thread used for embroidery and other needlework

is a general long thin form used also for figurative comparisons
lisle thread
vsthread
  • Archaic
9.4

A strong, smooth cotton thread used for fine socks and gloves

is a general thin strand used in many contexts, not only textiles

Idioms

To pass something carefully through a very small gap or to do a very precise and difficult action

1 6.1

In a very dangerous situation where a small problem can cause everything to fail

7.3

In a very risky situation where failure can happen at any moment

Compounds

A plant that grows in dry places with long stiff leaves that have thin threads along the edges

lisle thread
  • Archaic
9.4

A strong, smooth cotton thread used for fine socks and gloves

9.1

A low plant that lives for many years in woods with three-part leaves, yellow roots and white flowers

screw thread
  • Specialized
5.0

A raised spiral on a screw or bolt makes it hold things when you turn it

The main idea that connects the points someone makes

thread blight
  • Specialized
9.9

A disease that makes threads of fungus grow on branches and leaves of tropical trees like cacao or tea

A person who twists fibers into yarn for use in cloth

thread maker
  • Texting
4.1

A person who begins online discussions on forums or social media

thread-fish
  • Specialized
9.9

A fish with very long front fin rays that lives near warm coasts

How Thin

filament
4 5.7
string
222 1.0
thread
23 3.0
cord
176 1.0
rope
614 1.0

Surface Forms

thread singular
threads plural

Etymology

Thread comes from an old English word thraed meaning 'twisted string', and people used the image of a thin string to describe any long, thin line. That's why a thin line of smoke or light can be called a 'thread'.