strand

UK: strænd | US: strænd

Definition

  1. n. a single thin length of thread, wire, or hair

  2. n. a shore or beach, especially one bordering a large body of water

  3. vt. to leave someone in a difficult or helpless situation

  4. vi. (of a boat) to run aground

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "strand" has dual origins:

  1. As "thread/fiber": From Old English strand (a shore), but later influenced by Old Norse strǫnd (border, edge), evolving to mean a linear element like thread or wire.
  2. As "shore": Directly from Old English strand, referring to land bordering water. The verb sense ("to leave helpless") metaphorically extends from the idea of being left ashore or grounded.
Examples

  1. A single strand of hair fell across her face.

  2. They walked along the sandy strand at sunset.

  3. The blizzard stranded travelers at the airport.

  4. The ship stranded on a reef during the storm.

  5. She carefully separated each strand of the rope.