What does thready mean?
The adjective 'thready' describes something that has a thread-like quality or texture, often being thin and fibrous. This can apply to physical objects, such as strands of a spider's web, or to more abstract concepts, like a weak or feeble pulse. In medical contexts, a thready pulse is a sign of potential health issues, indicating low blood pressure or poor circulation. The word is useful for creating vivid descriptions of delicate or fragile things. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is tenuous or barely holding together. Overall, 'thready' is a versatile word that adds precision to descriptions of texture, consistency, and condition.
Having a thread-like quality or texture; thin and fibrous.
"The thready strands of the spider's web sparkled in the morning dew."
Often used to describe physical objects or textures.
Weak or feeble, as in a thready pulse.
"After a long illness, her pulse was thready and weak."
Often used in medical contexts to describe a weak or barely perceptible pulse.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of thready
The word 'thready' originates from the noun 'thread', which has Old English and Germanic roots. 'Thread' is related to the Proto-Germanic '*thrijiz' and Proto-Indo-European '*dher-', both of which convey the idea of holding or grasping. The adjective 'thready' emerged in the 17th century, likely influenced by the notion of something being thread-like or filamentous.
How thready is actually used
Often used in medical contexts to describe a weak or barely perceptible pulse.