Definition

Noun: A strong, coarse, and typically waxed or tarred cord or twine, traditionally made with three strands twisted together (three-ply), specifically used for sewing up or tying packages, sacks, or bundles.

Usage

"Packthread" is an uncountable noun. It refers to the material itself, not a single piece. You use it to talk about having, buying, cutting, or using this type of cord. - The merchant used sturdy packthread to secure the burlap sacks. - Do we have any packthread left for tying these boxes? - She cut a length of packthread from the large spool.

Examples

• Historical or traditional contexts:
• Practical use:
• General description:

Advanced Usage

• "As tough/strong as packthread": An informal simile describing something very durable or tenacious.
  • After years of manual labor, his hands were as tough as packthread.

Variants and Related Words

• Twine (n): A general term for a strong string made of two or more strands twisted together. "Packthread" is a specific type of twine.
• Cord (n): A thicker or heavier string. Packthread is a kind of cord.
• String (n): A more general, often thinner, term for a thin piece of twisted fiber.

Synonyms

• Binding twine
• Parcel twine
• Packaging cord

Antonyms

• Ribbon (a thin, decorative strip of fabric, not strong or functional for tying packages)
• Thread (a thin, fine strand for sewing fabric, not for heavy-duty tying)

Related Phrases/Idioms

(No common idioms are directly formed with "packthread." The advanced usage simile is the closest construction.)

Noun

1. a strong three-ply twine used to sew or tie packages