Strand: meaning, definitions and examples

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strand

 

[ strænd ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

hair

A single thin length of hair, fiber, wire, or thread.

Synonyms

fiber, filament, thread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strand

Best used to describe a single thin length of something like hair, wire, or thread. It can be used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

  • She nervously twisted a strand of her hair.
  • There was a single strand of pearls on her necklace.
fiber

Often used in scientific or nutritional contexts to refer to a thread or filament from which a vegetable tissue, mineral substance, or textile is formed. It can also refer to dietary fiber.

  • Dietary fiber is important for a healthy digestive system.
  • The rope was made from strong synthetic fibers.
thread

Commonly used in sewing and fabric contexts to refer to a thin piece of cotton, silk, or other material used for sewing. It can also refer to online discussions or connected series of texts.

  • She used a needle and thread to mend the tear.
  • I found an interesting thread about this topic on the forum.
filament

Primarily used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly to describe a slender threadlike object or fiber, especially one found in plants, light bulbs, or electronic devices.

  • The filament in the light bulb has burned out.
  • Microscopic filaments in the plant cells play a crucial role.

Examples of usage

  • A strand of hair fell across her face.
  • He found a strand of wire on the ground.
Context #2 | Noun

rope

A length of rope, yarn, or similar material, typically twisted together.

Synonyms

cord, line, rope.

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Word Description / Examples
strand

A single thin piece of thread, fiber, or similar material. It is often used when discussing hair, fibers, or small parts of something.

  • A strand of hair fell into her face
  • The rope was made up of many strands twisted together
rope

A strong, thick line made up of twisted or braided fibers. Rope is typically used for lifting, pulling, or securing heavy objects.

  • They used a rope to climb up the mountain
  • The boat was secured to the dock with a thick rope
cord

A thin, flexible length of twisted fibers, used for tying or connecting things. It is often stronger than a string but not as thick as a rope.

  • He tied the package with a piece of cord
  • The blinds were controlled by pulling a cord
line

A thin, continuous mark, or a long, thin rope or cord used for fishing or in various professions. This term can also mean a boundary or guideline.

  • The artist drew a straight line on the paper
  • The fisherman cast his line into the water

Examples of usage

  • He tied the boat to the dock with a strand of rope.
  • She knitted a scarf using a strand of yarn.
Context #3 | Verb

leave helpless

To leave (someone) without the means of getting away or moving freely.

Synonyms

abandon, leave stranded, maroon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strand

To leave someone or something in a situation where they cannot move or escape, usually unintentionally.

  • The ship was stranded on the rocks.
  • Due to the snowstorm, many travelers were stranded at the airport.
maroon

To leave someone trapped and alone in an inaccessible place, typically an island, often with a sense of being purposeful or cruel.

  • The pirate crew marooned their captain on a deserted island.
  • He was marooned in the mountains after his hiking gear was stolen.
abandon

To leave a person or place without intending to return, often suddenly and sometimes with negative connotations.

  • He abandoned his family and moved to another country.
  • The car was abandoned in the middle of the road.
leave stranded

To cause someone to be in a place or situation where they are unable to move or get away, often unintentionally or unexpectedly.

  • The broken-down bus left the passengers stranded on the roadside.
  • She was left stranded without her phone or any money.

Examples of usage

  • The shipwreck stranded them on a deserted island.
  • He was stranded at the airport due to the cancelled flight.

Translations

Translations of the word "strand" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fio

🇮🇳 धागा

🇩🇪 Strang

🇮🇩 untai

🇺🇦 нитка

🇵🇱 nić

🇯🇵 糸 (いと)

🇫🇷 brin

🇪🇸 hilo

🇹🇷 iplik

🇰🇷 가닥

🇸🇦 خيط

🇨🇿 vlákno

🇸🇰 vlákno

🇨🇳 线 (xiàn)

🇸🇮 vlakno

🇮🇸 þráður

🇰🇿 жіп

🇬🇪 ძაფი

🇦🇿 ip

🇲🇽 hilo

Etymology

The word 'strand' originated from Old English 'strand', meaning shore or beach. Over time, it evolved to also refer to a single length of something, such as hair or rope. The verb form of 'strand' developed from the idea of leaving someone in a helpless or difficult situation, as if they were stranded on a deserted shore. The word has been used in English for centuries and has retained its core meanings related to length and abandonment.

See also: stranded, strands.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,727 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.