põima

Põima is a Finnish verb that translates to "to braid" or "to plait." It refers to the act of interlacing three or more strands of material, such as hair, yarn, or straw, to create a single, stronger, and often decorative unit. The process involves weaving the strands over and under each other in a consistent pattern.

The verb "põima" can be used in various contexts. In hairdressing, it describes the creation of braids in one's hair. In crafts and textiles, it is used when making ropes, baskets, or decorative elements from fibers. For example, one might "põima" wool to make a sturdy yarn or "põima" reeds to construct a basket. The result of "põima" is a braid or plait, which is often more durable and resistant to breaking than the individual strands. The technique of braiding is ancient and has been practiced across many cultures for practical and aesthetic purposes. The word itself is rooted in the Finnic languages.