Paracord: Seven Twisted Nylon Yarns in a 32-Strand Braided Sheath

Parachute cord is a nylon core inside a braided nylon sheath. In the military Type III ('550 cord'), each core yarn is three bundles of fibre twisted tight, 7 to 9 yarns make the core, a 32-strand sheath is plaited over them, and the cord is steamed to tighten it (Wikipedia, from MIL-C-5040H). It must hold at least 550 lb. The picture: Type III paracord opened to show its core yarns (Wikimedia Commons).