A shortage of twisted thread (6)
I believe the answer is:
dearth
'a shortage' is the definition.
(dearth can mean a shortage or lack)
'twisted thread' is the wordplay.
'twisted' indicates an anagram.
'thread' anagrammed gives 'DEARTH'.
'of' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for dearth that I've seen before include "Lack of resources" , "Severe lack" , "Shortage, paucity" , "Severe shortage" , "Scarcity, paucity" .)