Tread
WordNet
noun
(1) A step in walking or running
(2) Structural member consisting of the horizontal part of a stair or step
(3) The part (as of a wheel or shoe) that makes contact with the ground
(4) The grooved surface of a pneumatic tire
verb
(5) Brace (an archer's bow) by pressing the foot against the center
(6) Mate with
"Male birds tread the females"
(7) Crush as if by treading on
"Tread grapes to make wine"
(8) Tread or stomp heavily or roughly
"The soldiers trampled across the fields"
(9) Put down or press the foot, place the foot
"For fools rush in where angels fear to tread"
"Step on the brake"
(10) Apply (the tread) to a tire
WiktionaryText
Etymology
, from . Cognate with Dutch , German , Danish , Swedish , Norwegian .
Noun
- The grooves carved into the face of a tire, used to give the tire traction.
- The bottom of a sneaker or tennis shoe, also used to give it traction.
- The top of a step on a staircase, also called a run.
Verb
- To step on or over.
- To beat with one's feet; to trample
Usage notes
- Although sometimes used in the UK, "treaded" may be considered substandard there.