Definition of strand

The word "strand" originally referred to a lengthy piece of material, particularly fiber or thread, that was twined or braided from smaller components. This sense of the word can be traced back to the Old Norse word "strāndr," which meant something twisted or plaited. In ancient times, the term "strand" was often used in relation to the fibers that made up woven fabrics or ropes, as these materials were typically formed by twisting or braiding multiple strands together. This usage can be found in Old English, where the word "strānd" was used to describe both rope and cord made of woven threads. As time went on, the meaning of "strand" expanded to include other long, narrow objects, such as coastal stretches or strands of sand. In Middle English, the term began to be used to describe shorelines, as these areas were seen as being made up of a series of woven strands or bands of sand and gravel. Today, the word "strand" has a variety of meanings, ranging from physical objects to more abstract concepts. For example, in science, a strand can refer to a molecule of DNA, as each bacterial chromosome contains a single, tightly coiled strand. In computing, "strand" is often used to describe a separate stream of data, such as a message sent over a network. And in music, a strand is a distinct pattern or melody within a composition. Overall, the meaning of "strand" reflects its origins as a term for a tightly woven or braided material, as the concept of a long, narrow, interconnected object persists in many arenas of modern life.