Strands

/strændz/ noun

Definition

Long thin pieces of thread, hair, or rope twisted together; or stretches of beach; or becomes left helpless.

Etymology

Old English 'strond' or 'strand' meaning shore or beach (Scandinavian origin). The 'thread' meaning came later. The verb 'strand' (to leave stranded) derived from ship terminology.

Kelly Says

A ship running aground was 'stranded on the strand' (beach)—so the word for 'being stuck helpless' literally came from beach vocabulary, which is why we call deserted sailors 'stranded.'

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.