n. & v.
n. 1 each of the threads or wires twisted round each other to make a rope or cable. 2 a a single thread or strip of fibre. b a constituent filament. 3 a lock of hair. 4 an element or strain in any composite whole.
v.tr. 1 break a strand in (a rope). 2 arrange in strands.
[ ME: orig. unkn. ]