Main Difference
The main difference between Braid and Plait is that the A braid is a complex structure or pattern formed by interlacing three or more strands of flexible material such as textile yarns, wire, or hair and Plait is a is the usual word in BE, although the younger generation may know it as “braid”.
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Braid
A braid (also referred to as a plait) is a complex structure or pattern formed by interlacing three or more strands of flexible material such as textile yarns, wire, or hair. Compared with the process of weaving, which usually involves two separate, perpendicular groups of strands (warp and weft), a braid is usually long and narrow, with each component strand functionally equivalent in zigzagging forward through the overlapping mass of the others. The most simple and common hair braid is a flat, solid, three-stranded structure. More complex braids can be constructed from an arbitrary number of strands to create a wider range of structures. Braids have been made for thousands of years in many different cultures, and for a variety of uses. Vikings and Celts were commonly using braids several centuries ago. Traditionally, the materials used in braids have depended on the indigenous plants and animals available in the local area.
When the Industrial Revolution arrived, mechanized braiding equipment was invented to increase production. The braiding technique was used to make ropes with both natural and synthetic fibers, and coaxial cables for radios using copper wire. In more recent times it has been used to create a covering for fuel pipes in jet aircraft and ships, first using glass fibre, then stainless steel and Kevlar. Pipes for domestic plumbing are often covered with stainless steel braid.
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Braid (verb)
To make a sudden movement with, to jerk.
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Braid (verb)
To start into motion.
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Braid (verb)
To weave together, intertwine (strands of fibers, ribbons, etc.); to arrange (hair) in braids.
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Braid (verb)
To mix, or make uniformly soft, by beating, rubbing, or straining, as in preparing food.
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Braid (verb)
To reproach; to upbraid.
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Braid (noun)
A sudden movement; a jerk, a wrench. 11th-17thc.
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Braid (noun)
A weave of three or more strands of fibers, ribbons, cords or hair often for decoration. from 16thc.
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Braid (noun)
A stranded wire composed of a number of smaller wires twisted together
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Braid (noun)
A tubular sheath made of braided strands of metal placed around a central cable for shielding against electromagnetic interference.
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Braid (noun)
A fancy; freak; caprice.
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Plait (noun)
A flat fold; a doubling, as of cloth; a pleat.
“a box plait”
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Plait (noun)
A braid, as of hair or straw; a plat.
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Plait (verb)
To fold; to double in narrow folds; to pleat
“to plait a ruffle”
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Plait (verb)
To interweave the strands or locks of; to braid
“to plait hair”
“plaiting rope”
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Braid (noun)
threads of silk, cotton, or other material woven into a decorative band for edging or trimming garments
“fancy braids”
“a coat trimmed with gold braid”
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Braid (noun)
a length of hair made up of three or more interlaced strands
“her hair curled neatly in blonde braids”
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Braid (noun)
a length made up of three or more interlaced strands of any flexible material
“a flexible copper braid”
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Braid (verb)
interlace three or more strands of (hair or other flexible material) to form a length
“their long hair was tightly braided”
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Braid (verb)
edge or trim (a garment) with braid
“braided red trousers”
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Braid (verb)
(of a river or stream) flow into shallow interconnected channels divided by deposited earth or alluvium
“a braided river carries an enormous burden of sand and gravel”
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Plait (noun)
a single length of hair, straw, rope, or other material made up of three or more interlaced strands
“she wore her dark hair in plaits”
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Plait (noun)
archaic term for pleat
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Plait (verb)
form (hair, straw, rope, or other material) into a plait or plaits
“her hair had been plaited and coiled at the back of her head”
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Plait (verb)
make (something) by forming material into a plait or plaits
“a basket plaited from strips of flax”