How Do You Spell SKEIN?

Pronunciation: [skˈe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "skein" is spelled with the letters s-k-e-i-n. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /skeɪn/. The "s" in the beginning is pronounced as an /s/, while the "k" sounds like a /k/. The "e-i" combination in the middle of the word sounds like a long /eɪ/ diphthong. Finally, the "n" at the end is pronounced as an /n/. Despite its peculiar spelling, "skein" is a commonly used English word and refers to a length of yarn or thread wound in a loose, long coil.

SKEIN Meaning and Definition

  1. A skein is a term commonly used in textiles and yarn-related activities, referring to a length of twisted fibers or yarn that is wound together in a loose and coiled manner. It typically consists of multiple strands that are twisted or braided together, forming a continuous length of yarn or thread. The primary purpose of a skein is to conveniently store and transport yarn, allowing for ease of use in various crafting endeavors.

    Skeins are usually wound into a cylindrical shape with both ends accessible, making it easy to pull the yarn for unravelling or knitting. They come in various sizes, with larger skeins typically containing a greater length and weight of yarn. These lengths of yarn are often dyed or colored to introduce variation, creating visually appealing patterns when knitted or woven.

    The term "skein" can also be extended beyond the realm of textiles to describe a tangled or twisted mass of any rope-like material, such as hair or fishing line. In this context, it refers to a chaotic or disorganized arrangement that is difficult to unravel or sort out. Additionally, the word "skein" can be used metaphorically to describe complex or intricate situations, suggesting a web of interconnected elements that require careful navigation.

    Overall, whether describing a coil of yarn or a jumbled mess, the concept of a skein represents a state of intertwined fibers or material that typically requires unraveling or untangling for use or clarity.

  2. The coiled thread of chromatin seen in the early stage of mitosis.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A quantity of thread or silk yarn coiled together after being taken off the reel-the skein containing 80 threads, each 54 inches long.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SKEIN

Etymology of SKEIN

The word "skein" originates from the Old English word "scearn" (also spelled as "scearn", "scearn", or "scearn"), which meant "a quantity of yarn or thread wound into a loose coil". The term ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*skarną", which referred to a "division" or "separation".

Over time, the word evolved in Middle English to "skein" or "skeyn", which retained the same meaning as its Old English predecessor. The spelling "skein" became more prevalent in modern English.

Similar spelling words for SKEIN

Plural form of SKEIN is SKEINS

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