noun
fray; frayed spot
Refers to a place where fabric or thread has come loose, such as a frayed edge or a run in a stocking.
セーターの袖にほつれができた。
There's a fray on the sleeve of my sweater.
ストッキングのほつれを直す。
I fix a run in my stockings.
Derived from the verb ほつれる (to become frayed). The exact historical derivation is uncertain.