warp

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Technical

n. the long threads that go up and down on a weaving machine.

n. the set of longitudinal threads in a loom through which the weft is woven.

“The weaver carefully pulled the warp threads tight before starting the next row.”

“High-quality tapestries require a strong warp to support the weight of the intricate decorative weft threads.”

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Informal

n. a way of traveling faster than light or through time in movies and books.

n. a hypothetical or fictional distortion of space-time that allows for faster-than-light travel.

“The spaceship jumped into warp to escape the enemy fleet.”

“The show's writers used a time warp as a convenient plot device to explore the characters' historical origins.”

C2 · Proficiency Nautical Technical

v. to move a ship by pulling on a rope attached to something fixed.

v. to move a vessel by hauling on a line or cable attached to a fixed object such as an anchor or pier.

“The crew had to warp the boat into the narrow dock using thick ropes.”

“In the absence of a favorable wind, the sailors were forced to warp the schooner out of the harbor by hand.”