What does SKEIN mean?

Parts of Speech: Noun, Verb

Definitions:

1. a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted
2. a flock of wild geese or swans in flight, typically in a V-shaped formation
3. (verb) to form into skeins

Pronunciations:

• US: /skeɪn/
• UK: /skeɪn/

Origin and Usage: The word "skein" originated from the Old Norse word "skein" meaning "a wisp of cloud" or "a flock of birds." It has been used in English since the 15th century to refer to a length of thread or yarn that is loosely coiled and knotted. The term "skein" is also used to describe a flock of wild geese or swans in flight, typically in a V-shaped formation. The verb form of "skein" means "to form into skeins."

Synonyms:

• hank
• coil
• loop
• twist

Related Words:

• chain
• knit
• weave
• spool
• thread

Example Sentences:

• She bought a skein of yarn to knit a scarf.
• The skein of geese flew overhead in a V-shaped formation.
• She carefully skeined the yarn into a ball.