strand
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a single thin piece of something, like a hair, a piece of thread, or a wire.
n.an individual length of a fine, string-like substance, such as a hair, fibre, or one of the twisted components of a rope.
Simple“She brushed a stray strand of hair away from her eyes.”
In context“The forensic team recovered a single strand of nylon carpet fibre that proved crucial in linking the suspect to the crime scene.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a long chain of molecules that makes up DNA.
n.a single nucleotide chain, typically referring to one of the two chains in a DNA double helix.
Simple“Scientists can now edit a specific strand of DNA to prevent certain diseases.”
In context“During replication, the two strands of the double helix separate to serve as templates for new genetic material.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
n.the land along the edge of a sea or ocean.
n.the shore or beach of a sea or ocean; often used in a poetic or descriptive context.
Simple“The ship was wrecked upon a distant, rocky strand.”
In context“The poet described the white foam crashing against the lonely strand as the sun dipped below the horizon.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to leave someone in a place they cannot get away from, often without help.
v.to leave someone in a helpless or difficult position, especially by depriving them of transport.
Simple“The heavy snowstorm stranded hundreds of travellers at the airport.”
In context“The sudden cancellation of the ferry service stranded the commuters on the island for the entire weekend.”
UsageCommonly used in the passive voice: 'to be stranded'.
“This cosy crime becomes somewhat less cosy when a strand of cosmic horror enters the fray.”
“Blue whales were recorded infrequently, with 12 sightings, one stranding and five additional published records.”
So called after the north strand (i.e. shore) of the river Thames.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.