Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Thin in diameter; resembling a thread: Having the appearance, fineness, or weakness of a thread.
   • Forming viscous or glutinous threads: Describing a liquid substance that forms stringy, thread-like strands when poured or stretched.

Usage

• The adjective "thready" is used to describe physical characteristics, most commonly related to appearance or texture. It often carries a negative connotation when describing sounds or pulses, implying weakness or insufficiency.

Examples

• Describing appearance or form:
  • The old fabric had become thready and was starting to unravel.
  • A thready vein was visible just beneath the skin's surface.
• Describing texture or consistency:
  • The melted cheese was thready as he lifted a slice of pizza.
  • The syrup was so thready it formed long strands between the spoon and the jar.
• Describing sound or medical signs:
  • After the long illness, his voice was weak and thready.
  • The nurse noted the patient's thready pulse, a sign of circulatory distress.

Advanced Usage

• "Thready pulse": A medical term for a pulse that is very fine, weak, and often rapid, feeling like a thin thread under the fingers. It is often a clinical sign of shock or severe blood loss.
  • The paramedics were concerned by the victim's thready pulse.
• "Thready voice": A voice that is weak, faint, and lacking in strength or resonance.
  • She answered in a thready voice, barely above a whisper.

Variants and Related Words

• Thread (n): A long, thin strand of cotton, nylon, or other fibers.
• Threadlike (adj): Resembling a thread; long, thin, and flexible. (This is a close synonym for the first meaning of "thready").
• Filamentous (adj): Consisting of or resembling filaments; threadlike. (More technical/scientific).

Synonyms

• Filamentous: Threadlike.
• Stringy: Consisting of, containing, or forming string-like pieces.
• Gossamer: A fine, filmy substance, very light and delicate. (For the 'thin' meaning).
• Viscous: Having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid. (For the 'glutinous' meaning).

Antonyms

• Thick: With opposite sides or surfaces relatively far apart.
• Strong: Having the power to move heavy weights or perform physically demanding tasks. (For pulse/voice).
• Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous.
• Clear: (For liquids) transparent and free of visible, stringy particles.

Adjective

1. thin in diameter; resembling a thread
2. forming viscous or glutinous threads