# strand

/ˈstɹænd/ (US) · /stɹˈænd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strand
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a single thread or hair

noun · CEFR B2

a single thin piece of something, like a hair, a piece of thread, or a wire.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. DNA chain

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a long chain of molecules that makes up DNA.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. the shore

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

the land along the edge of a sea or ocean.

For teachers: the shore or beach of a sea or ocean; often used in a poetic or descriptive context.

- 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.

### 5. to leave someone stuck

verb · CEFR B2

to leave someone in a place they cannot get away from, often without help.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Commonly used in the passive voice: 'to be stranded'.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.