thready

[ thred-ee ]

adjective

, thread·i·er, thread·i·est.

1. consisting of or resembling a thread or threads; fibrous; filamentous.
2. stringy or viscid, as a liquid.
3. (of the pulse) thin and feeble.
4. (of sound, the voice, etc.) lacking fullness; weak; feeble.

thready

/ ˈθrɛdɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a thread or threads
2. med (of the pulse) barely perceptible; weak; fine
3. sounding thin, weak, or reedy

   a thready tenor

Derived Forms

• ˈthreadiness, noun

Other Words From

• threadi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thready¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; thread, -y ¹

Example Sentences

For some weeks previous to his death, his pulse had become slow and thready, 36 in the minute.

From Project Gutenberg

In all the cases, as the disease advanced, the pulse came down to a very unfrequent and thready beat.

From Project Gutenberg

The fermented liquor becomes turbid, and assumes a tough thready appearance, like a decoction of linseed.

From Project Gutenberg

The gigantic squatter removed his pipe from his mouth and smoothed the thready white beard, straggling over his chin.

From Project Gutenberg

Where the bridge abutments projected, the thready current of the San Pedro collected and formed quite a deep pool.

From Project Gutenberg