1. (n.) A very small twist of flax, wool, cotton, silk, or other fibrous substance, drawn out to considerable length; a compound cord consisting of two or more single yarns doubled, or joined together, and twisted.

2. (n.) A filament, as of a flower, or of any fibrous substance, as of bark; also, a line of gold or silver.

3. (n.) The prominent part of the spiral of a screw or nut; the rib. See Screw.

4. (n.) Fig.: Something continued in a long course or tenor; a,s the thread of life, or of a discourse.

5. (n.) Fig.: Composition; quality; fineness.

6. (v. t.) To pass a thread through the eye of; as, to thread a needle.

7. (v. t.) To pass or pierce through as a narrow way; also, to effect or make, as one's way, through or between obstacles; to thread.

8. (v. t.) To form a thread, or spiral rib, on or in; as, to thread a screw or nut.