yarn
UK: jɑːn | US: jɑːrn
n. 1. A long, continuous strand of twisted fibers (e.g., wool, cotton) used in knitting or weaving.
n. 2. A colloquial term for a story or tale, often exaggerated or fanciful.
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The word "yarn" traces back to Old English gearn, meaning "spun fiber," derived from Proto-Germanic garną. Its deeper Indo-European root ǵʰer- ("gut, intestine") hints at early uses of animal fibers or sinews for thread. The figurative sense of "a tale" (late 18th century) likely stems from sailors' long, meandering stories spun during tedious tasks like rope-making.
She bought soft blue yarn to knit a scarf.
The old fisherman spun a yarn about catching a mermaid.
Cotton yarn is commonly used for lightweight fabrics.
His adventure stories were just elaborate yarns.
The sweater unraveled because the yarn was too loose.