unwind

Definition

To separate (something that is wound up)

Etymology

From Middle English unwinden, from Old English unwindan (“to unwind; unwrap”), from Proto-Germanic *andawindaną (“to unwind”); equivalent to un- + wind (“to coil”). Cognate with Dutch ontwinden (“to unwind”).

Example Sentences

• "to unwind a ball of yarn"
• "Could you unwind about a foot of ribbon so I can finish the package?"
• "[…]but being not so skilful as in every point to unwind themselves where the snares of glossing speech do lie to entangle them,[…]"

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