Cord

/kɔɹd/ · noun

Meaning

(countable) A long, thin, flexible length of twisted yarns (strands) of fibre (a rope, for example)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (countable) A long, thin, flexible length of twisted yarns (strands) of fibre (a rope, for example).
2. (uncountable) Any quantity of such material when viewed as a mass or commodity.
3. A small flexible electrical conductor composed of wires insulated separately or in bundles and assembled together usually with an outer cover; the electrical cord of a lamp, sweeper ((US) vacuum cleaner), or other appliance.
4. A unit of measurement for firewood, equal to 128 cubic feet (4 × 4 × 8 feet), composed of logs and/or split logs four feet long and none over eight inches diameter. It is usually seen as a stack four feet high by eight feet long.
5. (figuratively) Any influence by which persons are caught, held, or drawn, as if by a cord.
6. (anatomy) Any structure having the appearance of a cord, especially a tendon or nerve.
7. (music) Dated form of chord.
8. Misspelling of chord, a cross-section measurement of an aircraft wing.

Example Sentences

The burglar tied up the victim with a cord.

He looped some cord around his fingers.

cord of spittle

Unerringly impelling this dead, impregnable, uninjurable wall, and this most buoyant thing within; there swims behind it all a mass of tremendous life, only to be adequately estimated as piled wood is—by the cord; and all obedient to one volition, as the smallest insect.

'If they buy three cords of birch logs,' said the witch, 'but they must be exact measure—and no bargaining about the price, and if they throw overboard the one cord of logs, piece by piece, when the first sea comes, and the other cord, piece by piece, when the second sea comes, and the third cord, piece by piece, when the third sea comes, then it's all over with us.'

Clear-headed friend, whose joyful scorn, / Edged with sharp laughter, cuts atwain / The knots that tangle human creeds, / The wounding cords that bind and strain / The heart until it bleeds, […]

Every detail of the house and garden was familiar; a thousand cords of memory and affection drew him thither; but a stronger counter-motive prevailed.

spermatic cord; spinal cord; umbilical cord; vocal cords

Synonyms for cord

Antonyms for cord

Related Words

Word Forms

• cords
• cording
• corded

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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