threadlike

threadlike — adjective

  • threadlikepositive
  • more threadlikecomparative
  • most threadlikesuperlative

1. having a long, very thin shape that is similar to that of a thread — used especi

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

having a long, very thin shape that is similar to that of a thread — used especially for natural or biological objects such as fibres, fine roots, veins, or slender worms.

Example

Adina noticed several threadlike fibres clinging to the old woollen jumper.

collocation: threadlike fibres

Tomás carefully pulled the threadlike roots out of the flowerpot before replanting the rose.

Common collocations
  • threadlike fibres
  • threadlike roots
  • threadlike veins
  • threadlike structures
  • threadlike strands
  • threadlike filaments
Synonyms
  • filamentous

    more technical; used in biology for cellular or fungal structures

  • fibrous

    emphasises composition of fibres rather than just shape

  • stringy

    suggests long, tough strands; often negative for hair or food

  • wiry

    thin combined with stiffness or toughness

Antonyms
  • thick

    opposite in diameter

  • stout

    opposite in slimness and delicacy

Grammar Patterns

threadlike + noun (physical object)

Usage Note

Typically appears before a noun that refers to a physical object with a long, thin shape. The attributive position (before the noun) is more common than predicative use (for example, 'the roots are threadlike'). Best suited to natural or biological contexts rather than man-made objects.

Common Mistakes

The spider's threadlike leg
The spider's threadlike silk
'threadlike' means as thin as a thread; a spider's leg is thicker and more substantial.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

While all four words describe thin, elongated shapes, they differ in register and typical contexts. Threadlike is a general descriptive term that focuses on the fineness of a sewing thread. Filamentous is a technical scientific word, common in biology for describing cellular structures, fungi, or algae. Fibrous emphasises composition made of fibres rather than just a thin shape — often used for plant stems, meat, or synthetic materials. Stringy describes something that forms long, tough strands; it frequently applies to hair, melted cheese, or overcooked vegetables and can carry a mildly negative tone. Wiry suggests thinness combined with stiffness or toughness, often describing a person's build, animal fur, or metal. For example: 'the threadlike tendrils of the climbing plant' (general shape), 'filamentous algae covered the pond' (technical context), 'fibrous roots spread through the soil' (composition), 'stringy mozzarella stretched across the pizza' (elastic strands), and 'her wiry grey hair stuck out at odd angles' (stiff texture).

filamentous ↗fibrousstringy ↗wiry ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Threadlike is formed by adding the suffix -like ('having the form or appearance of') to the noun thread. The word thread comes from Old English þrǣd, meaning 'twisted fibre' or 'fine cord'.