The term 'strand of, eg, cotton' can be summed up as a THREAD. A THREAD is a thin strand of material, usually made of cotton, that is used for sewing or weaving. Threads are often used in the production of clothing, bedding, and other fabrics. They are also used to create decorative items such as embroidery and tapestry. Threads come in a variety of colors, sizes, and materials, and can be used for a variety of purposes.