A
rope is a group of
yarns,
plies, or strands that are twisted or
braided together into a larger and stronger form. Ropes have
tensile strength and so can be used for dragging and lifting, but are too flexible to provide
compressive strength. As a result, they cannot be used for pushing or similar compressive applications. Rope is thicker and stronger than similarly constructed cord, line, string, and
twine. Ropes made from metal strands are called
wire rope.