Thread

1. When talking about computer programming or software, a thread is a portion of a program that is executed in conjunction with the main program that performs another task. For example, a program may have an open thread waiting for a specific event to occur or may have a thread running a separate job, allowing for the main program to perform other tasks. A program is capable of having multiple threads open at once and will either terminate or suspend the thread when the thread's task is complete or the program is closed.
2. A message and each of its corresponding Reponses. For example, in a newsgroup or message board, a user may post a question relating to computers; each of the replies and discussions relating to the original message and/or replies are posted within a single thread. Below is an illustration to help give you a better idea.

   Original Post:
   <Original Message> user - user@nodomain.com
   Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows how to turn on a computer.

   >>Joe - joe@nodomain.com
   >>User have you tried pressing the power button?

   >>>>User - user@nodmain.com
   >>>>Joe what is the power button?

   >>>>>>Joe - joe@nodomain.com
   >>>>>>The power button is usually a small power button located on the front of your computer, pressing this round button should make the computer turn on.

   As can be seen by the above example thread, a user can view the complete message and make any additional feedback or comments as well. A thread can refer to any type of ongoing communication, including e-mail.

Also see: Background, Fork, Forum, Message, Message board, Newsgroup, Programming definitions, TLP