Meaning & Definition of Skein in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A length of yarn or thread that is wound in a loose coil.

  Example Sentence: She picked up a skein of bright red wool from the shelf.

• Definition: A complex or tangled situation.

  Example Sentence: The investigation revealed a skein of deceit that had been woven over the years.

• Definition: A flock of geese or swans in flight, especially in a V formation.

  Example Sentence: We watched as a skein of geese flew overhead.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'escaigne', of unknown origin.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• skein of yarn: A loose coil of thread used for knitting or crocheting.
• skein of deceit: A complex web of lies and trickery.
• skein of geese: A group of geese flying together.

Translations

• Spanish: madeja

• French: pelote

• German: Strang

• Russian: моток

Related Words

• thread: A thin strand of cotton, wool, or other fibers.

• yarn: A continuous length of interlocked fibers, used for knitting or weaving.

• coil: A loop or series of loops of a flexible material.

Slang Meanings of skein

• Meaning: A complicated situation or mess.

  Example Sentence: That project turned into a real skein when everyone started arguing.

• Meaning: To spin a story or create a narrative twist.

  Example Sentence: She skeined that tale so well, I almost believed it.