Rethreading

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The process of inserting new threads into fabric or mesh to repair, strengthen, or modify it; the act of following or continuing a sequence of discussion or messages in an organized manner; restoring or adding threads to a screw or bolt to renew its functionality
2. Renewing or repairing woven material by replacing or adding threads to maintain integrity; continuing or revisiting a series of connected communications on a topic; restoring threaded fasteners by cutting new grooves to fix damage or wear
3. Restoring the thread pattern in textiles by reweaving or reinforcing the fibers; resuming a previous conversation thread in digital or written form; fixing damaged screw threads through cutting or reestablishing the spiral ridges for proper use

Etymology: "Rethreading" is simply the present participle and gerund of "rethread", which is formed from the prefix "re-", meaning "again" or "anew", attached to "thread". The base word goes back to Old English "thrǣd", a noun meaning a single strand of spun fibre, and the verb "to thread" grew from it, originally meaning to pass a thread through the eye of a needle or along a string of beads. Adding "re-" creates the sense of putting a thread back through something, or replacing threads that have worn or broken. That literal idea carries over naturally to the three uses listed for the word: rebuilding damaged cloth, picking up a conversation where it left off, and recutting the spiral groove of a bolt or nut. In each case the logic is the same, a line of connected material is being run through again to restore its continuity.

Synonyms: restringing, remaking