Meanings
-
1
noun
a worn tire fitted with a new outer tread so that it can be used again
The mechanic replaced the damaged tire with a reliable retread.
-
2
noun
something repeated or remade with only slight changes
Critics dismissed the sequel as a retread of the original film.
-
3
verb
to fit a worn tire with a new tread, or to make something over in a slightly altered form
The factory can retread hundreds of truck tires each week.
-
4
verb
to tread a path again or retrace one's steps; with the historical past form retrod
The explorer chose to retread the same mountain path on his return.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Two transparent formations from re- ('again') + tread. The literal verb means 'tread again' and keeps tread's strong past forms retrod and retrodden. The tire verb and noun use tread for the patterned road-contact surface; from that repair sense, retread broadened to any slightly altered repetition or remake.