What term refers to the twist in strands of line?

The term that refers to the twist in strands of line is known as "lay of line." This term is used to describe how the individual strands of fiber in a rope or line are twisted together to form a complete line. The lay affects the line's strength, flexibility, and handling characteristics, as well as its ability to resist wear and abrasion.

Understanding the lay of the line is crucial for various marine applications, such as rigging and anchoring, since it influences how the line behaves when under tension or when coiling. The direction of the lay can be right-hand or left-hand twist, and it is important to recognize these characteristics to select the appropriate line for specific tasks.

Other terms like "twist of line," "strand alignment," and "line pattern" are either less formal or not commonly used in nautical terminology, making them less effective in accurately describing the characteristic of the line's construction. Therefore, knowing that "lay of line" is the correct term is essential for proper communications in nautical practice.