hanks
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈhæŋks// UK //hˈæŋks// han·ks
n. coiled loops of rope, yarn, or thread. You use this word when material is wound into a loose circle rather than onto a solid spool.
n. coiled or looped lengths of yarn, thread, or rope, typically loosely bound together. Often used as a unit of measurement in textile production.
She bought three hanks of blue wool for the sweater.
The weaver carefully organized the hanks of hand-dyed silk to prevent them from tangling before starting the loom.
Artisanal spinners often sell their products in hanks to showcase the natural drape and texture of the fibers, which can be compressed or flattened when wound onto industrial cones.
Usage
Commonly used as a collective noun for lengths of flexible material; often paired with 'of'.