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braid (brād)
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v. braid·ed, braid·ing, braids
v. tr.
1.
a. To interweave three or more strands, strips, or lengths of in a diagonally overlapping pattern: braided the rags into a strong rope.
b. To create (something) by such interweaving: braid a rug.
c. To style (the hair) by such interweaving.
d. To mingle (discrete elements, for example) as if by such interweaving: braided the ideas into a complex thesis.
2. To decorate or edge (something) with a trim of interwoven strands: finished the jacket by braiding the collar and cuffs.
3. To fasten or decorate (hair) with a band or ribbon.
v. intr.
To flow, twist, or wind as if interwoven: a stream braiding through the woods.
n.
1. A braided segment or length, as of hair, fabric, or fiber.
2. Ornamental cord or ribbon, used especially for decorating or edging fabrics.
3. A ribbon or band used to fasten the hair.
[Middle English braiden, from Old English bregdan, to weave.]
braider n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
 

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

    Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

    Indo-European Roots

    Semitic Roots

    The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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