bead string; thread of life
Classical and poetic term. Literally a string of beads, often used metaphorically for the thread of life, especially in waka poetry. Rare in modern everyday speech.
If the thread of my life must break, let it break; if I live on, my hidden love may weaken.
Compound of 玉 (tama, 'bead, jewel') + の (no, possessive particle) + 緒 (o, 'cord, thread'). The metaphorical extension to 'thread of life' is ancient and appears in classical poetry.