strand
n. countablen. one of the thin pieces of thread, hair, or wire that are twisted together to make something thicker. It can also mean a single part of a complicated story or idea.
n. a single thin length of something such as thread, fiber, or hair, especially when twisted with others to form a rope or cable. Also used metaphorically to describe a distinct element of a complex narrative or argument.
She pulled a single strand of hair from her sweater.
The detective followed every strand of evidence until he finally solved the mystery.
The author skillfully weaves together several different strands of the plot, eventually bringing the characters together in a dramatic finale.
So called after the north strand (i.e. shore) of the river Thames.
Commonly used with 'of' to specify the material or the abstract concept being described.