thready
word
Definition
Very thin and resembling a thread; can also describe something weak or barely noticeable, especially a pulse.
Usage & Nuances
'Thready' is formal and mainly used in medical or descriptive contexts. In medicine, a 'thready pulse' means very weak and hard to feel. It can also describe anything thin like a thread, such as 'thready clouds.' Rarely used conversationally outside these contexts.
Example Sentences
The patient's pulse felt thready to the nurse.
basic
A thready stream of smoke rose from the candle.
basic
She noticed thready lines in the old fabric.
basic
His voice was so thready after the surgery that it was barely audible.
natural
By the time help arrived, his pulse had grown thready and faint.
natural
There were thready wisps of fog curling along the riverbank at dawn.
natural