1.A strand of popular heterodoxy endured, half-surfacing as superstition, the secret worship of polytheistic deities and even the practice of magic.
a strand of 一串,一系列
eg.She was wearing a strand of crystal beads.
她戴着一串水晶珠子
。【常见搭配】a strand of hair 一缕头发
2.Being part of the empire did, however, shield it from the worst effects of the decline in Mediterranean trade prompted by the colonisation of the Americas.
shield...from... 庇护...免受...
eg.You can't shield her from the truth forever.
你不可能永远瞒着她,不让她知道事实真相
。【常见搭配】face shield 防护面罩
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