The word "thready" is spelled with six letters, starting with the voiceless dental fricative sound represented by the IPA symbol /θ/. The following letter is a voiced dental fricative, represented by /ð/. The third sound in the word is the vowel sound represented by /ɛ/, followed by the voiceless alveolar fricative represented by /s/. The second-to-last sound is the affricate represented by /t͡ʃ/, and the final sound is the same vowel sound represented by /ɛ/. Together, these phonemes create the word "thready," which means thin or feeble.
Thready is an adjective that describes something that is thin, slender, or small in diameter, particularly when referring to objects or substances that have a thread-like appearance or texture. The term is often used to describe the physical characteristics of threads, fibers, or strands that are delicate, fine, or wispy.
When applied to fabrics or textiles, thready may refer to a material that has a loose weave or a texture that consists of thin, intertwined threads. This characteristic may give the fabric a delicate or fragile appearance, often used for decorative or ornamental purposes.
In a medical context, thready can be used to describe a pulse or heartbeat that feels weak, feeble, or thin. This usage suggests that the pulse or heartbeat may be faint or difficult to detect, possibly indicating a lack of strength or vitality.
Figuratively, thready may describe an idea, argument, or reasoning that lacks coherence, strength, or substance. In this sense, it suggests that the line of thought or sequence of events is barely held together, and may be easily broken or disassembled.
Overall, thready is a versatile adjective that describes the physical, functional, or metaphorical aspects of objects or situations that are thin, delicate, weak, or lacking in strength.
Filamentous, filiform.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Like thread; containing thread or threads.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "thready" derives from the noun "thread", which dates back to the Old English word "þrǣd". This Old English term evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "*þrēdą". Furthermore, the Proto-Germanic word traces its origins back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*ter-" meaning "to cross over, pass through". The word "thready" specifically emerged in the late 16th century, describing something resembling or resembling a thread in terms of its size, shape, or texture.