sleave

Meaning

Verb

To separate, as threads; to divide, as a collection of threads.

Noun

1. The knotted or entangled part of silk or thread.
2. Silk not yet twisted; floss.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/sliːv/

Etymology

Compare Danish slöife, a loose knot, Swedish slejf (“a knot of ribbon”), German Schleife (“a loop”).