skein

[ skeyn ]

noun

1. a length of yarn or thread wound on a reel or swift preparatory for use in manufacturing.
2. anything wound in or resembling such a coil:

   a skein of hair.

3. something suggestive of the twistings of a skein:

   an incoherent skein of words.

4. a flock of geese, ducks, or the like, in flight.
5. a succession or series of similar or interrelated things:

   a skein of tennis victories.

skein

/ skeɪn /

noun

1. a length of yarn, etc, wound in a long coil
2. something resembling this, such as a lock of hair
3. a flock of geese flying Compare gaggle

Word History and Origins

Origin of skein¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English skeyne, skayne, from Middle French escaigne; further origin unknown

Word History and Origins

Origin of skein¹

C15: from Old French escaigne, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

It’s dry, with apricot and pear flavors and a skein of minerality that carries the fruit through to a long, satisfying finish.

From Washington Post

Murray doesn't draw any at all, and doesn't seem even to be aware that any such skein is required.

From The Daily Beast

It was a part of himself, woven unchangeably into his life in a glowing skein, the brilliant colors of which could never fade.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, if the skein of ideas was entangled, each thread in itself was a thread of gold.

From Project Gutenberg

The spinning wheel stands against the wall and above it from a peg hangs a heavy skein of black wool.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Seine was but a skein of silk stretched across the city; the water was hidden by the craft.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes I dye one end of a skein, and leave the other untouched; that gives quite a good effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• knot