| lungworm | <zoology> Any one of several species of parasitic nematoid worms which infest the lungs and air passages of cattle, sheep, and other animals, often proving fatal. The lungworm of cattle (Strongylus micrurus) and that of sheep (S. Filaria) are the best known. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| infection thread | In the formation of root nodules, a cellulosic tube through which Rhizobium cells can travel to reach and infect root cells. (09 Oct 1997) |
| terminal thread | A long, slender connective tissue (pia mater) strand extending from the extremity of the medullary cone to the internal aspect of the spinal dural sac (filum terminale internum); stout strands of connective tissue attaching the spinal dural sac to the coccyx (filum terminale externum), commonly called the coccygeal ligament. Synonym: filum terminale, nervus impar, terminal thread. (05 Mar 2000) |
| thread | 1. A very small twist of flax, wool, cotton, silk, or other fibrous substance, drawn out to considerable length; a compound cord consisting of two or more single yarns doubled, or joined together, and twisted. 2. A filament, as of a flower, or of any fibrous substance, as of bark; also, a line of gold or silver. 3. The prominent part of the spiral of a screw or nut; the rib. See Screw. 4. Something continued in a long course or tenor; a,s the thread of life, or of a discourse. 5. Composition; quality; fineness. "A neat courtier, Of a most elegant thread." (B. Jonson) Air thread, the fine white filaments which are seen floating in the air in summer, the production of spiders; gossamer. Thread and thrum, the good and bad together. <zoology> Thread cell, the gizzard shad. See Gizzard. Thread lace, lace made of linen thread. Thread needle, a game in which children stand in a row, joining hands, and in which the outer one, still holding his neighbor, runs between the others; called also thread the needle. Origin: OE. Threed, red, AS. Rd; akin to D. Draad, G. Draht wire, thread, OHG. Drat, Icel. Rar a thread, Sw. Trad, Dan. Traad, and AS. Rawan to twist. See Throw, and cf. Third. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |