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Strand Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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strand

[strænd ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, a strand often refers to a single length of DNA or RNA, which carries genetic information necessary for life.
  • In chemistry, strands can refer to long molecules or chains, like polymers, which make up important materials like plastics.
  • Fibers, like those found in textiles, can be considered strands as they are composed of individual threads twisted together.

Literature

  • Strands are often used metaphorically in literature to refer to different storylines or themes that intertwine throughout a narrative.
  • Authors may weave together various emotional strands in a character's journey, showing the complexity of human experience.
  • Poets might use the concept of a strand in their imagery to reflect the interconnectedness of thoughts or emotions.

Pop Culture

  • In popular films or shows, the 'stranded' trope often refers to characters who are isolated from help, like in survival stories.
  • Songs may use 'strand' metaphorically to convey feelings of being lost or disconnected from others.
  • Video games sometimes have levels where players must navigate through 'strands' of challenges, representing different obstacles.

Cultural Expressions

  • The concept of 'strand' appears in various cultures' folklore, often symbolizing the connection between fate and human choices.
  • Crafts like weaving or knitting emphasize strands as fundamental building blocks, showing cultural significance in many societies.
  • In some traditions, a 'strand' can represent the bonds of community or family, with cultures celebrating the ties that connect individuals together.

Origin of 'strand'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'strand', meaning 'shore' or 'bank', emphasizing the idea of something being stretched out.
  • In Middle English, it referred to a 'strip' of land along the shore, highlighting the connection to nature and water.
  • The term has ancient roots, with connections to Proto-Germanic words that also refer to long, thin shapes.

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.