tendril

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtɛndrɪl/

noun

  • a slender thread-like appendage of a climbing plant, often growing in a spiral form, which stretches out and twines round any suitable support.
  • something resembling a plant tendril, especially a slender curl or ringlet of hair: the wind fitfully moved the dark tendrils around her forehead

Origin:

mid 16th century: probably a diminutive of Old French tendron 'young shoot', from Latin tener 'tender'