rhizoverbBeta
DictionarythreadSpiral ridge
noun

thread

A spiral ridge that lets a screw fasten into a matching opening.

The screw's thread fits the matching hole.

Etymology
threadOld Englishthread

A screw's continuous spiral ridge resembles a thread wound around a cylinder. The textile image supplies the mechanical name.

More examples

  • A damaged thread prevented the bolt from tightening.
  • The cap has a coarse thread.
  • Check that the threads line up before turning.

Forms

thread · threads

threaded adjective — having a screw thread

Similar words

ridge
A raised line, not necessarily spiral.
screw thread
The fuller mechanical term.