Word
strand
Phoneticsstrand
US/ˈstɹænd/
UK/stɹˈænd/
Definitions
01a single thread or hair
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
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.
“She brushed a stray strand of hair away from her eyes.”
“The forensic team recovered a single strand of nylon carpet fibre that proved crucial in linking the suspect to the crime scene.”
02DNA chain
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
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.
“Scientists can now edit a specific strand of DNA to prevent certain diseases.”
“During replication, the two strands of the double helix separate to serve as templates for new genetic material.”
03the shore
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Nautical Literary
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.
Español:playa
“The ship was wrecked upon a distant, rocky strand.”
“The poet described the white foam crashing against the lonely strand as the sun dipped below the horizon.”
04to leave someone stuck
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.
“The heavy snowstorm stranded hundreds of travellers at the airport.”
“The sudden cancellation of the ferry service stranded the commuters on the island for the entire weekend.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “strand” in context.
Verb
01. pull the strands together
“In the final chapter, the author pulls the strands together to resolve the mystery.”
verb + noun + adv
02. untangle the strands of the plot
“It took several hours for the investigators to untangle the strands of the plot.”
verb + noun + of + noun
03. weave together strands
“The novelist skillfully weaves together strands of historical fact and fiction.”
verb + adv + noun
Adjective
04. disparate strands
“The committee is trying to unify the disparate strands of the research project.”
adj + noun
05. stray strand
“She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before starting the presentation.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. common strand of thought
“There is a common strand of thought running through all his philosophical works.”
adj + noun + of + noun
07. strand of dna
“Scientists identified a mutation in a single strand of DNA.”
noun + of + noun
Usage
Commonly used with 'of' to specify the material or the abstract concept being described.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
So called after the north strand (i.e. shore) of the river Thames.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/strand
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0