/ θred; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U , C ] a thin string of cotton, wool, silk, etc. used for sewing or making cloth :
a needle and thread
a robe embroidered with gold thread
the delicate threads of a spider's web
—picture at embroidery
2.
[ C ] an idea or a feature that is part of sth greater; an idea that connects the different parts of sth :
A common thread runs through these discussions.
The author skilfully draws together the different threads of the plot.
I lost the thread of the argument (= I could no longer follow it) .
3.
[ C ] thread (of sth) a long thin line of sth :
A thread of light emerged from the keyhole.
4.
[ C ] ( computing ) a series of connected messages on a message board on the Internet which have been sent by different people
5.
[ C ] the raised line that runs around the length of a screw and that allows it to be fixed in place by twisting
—picture at screw
6.
threads [ pl. ] ( old-fashioned , NAmE , slang ) clothes
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IDIOMS
see hang verb , pick verb
■ verb
1.
[ vn , usually + adv. / prep. ] to pass sth long and thin, especially thread, through a narrow opening or hole :
to thread a needle (with cotton)
to thread cotton through a needle
A tiny wire is threaded through a vein to the heart.
2.
[+ adv. / prep. ] to move or make sth move through a narrow space, avoiding things that are in the way
SYN pick your way :
[ v ]
The waiters threaded between the crowded tables.
[ vn ]
It took me a long time to thread my way through the crowd.
3.
[ vn ] to join two or more objects together by passing sth long and thin through them :
to thread beads (onto a string)
4.
[ vn ] to pass film, tape, string, etc. through parts of a piece of equipment so that it is ready to use
5.
[ vn ] [ usually passive ] to sew or twist a particular type of thread into sth :
a robe threaded with gold and silver
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English thrǣd (noun), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch draad and German Draht , also to the verb throw . The verb dates from late Middle English .