Cord
/kɔːrd/
Definitions
3 meaningsA length of flexible material, such as a rope or string, made of twisted strands.
/kɔːrd/
A thick string or rope
He used a cord to tie the boxes together.
💡 Simply: Imagine a strong string like the one you use to hang clothes outside. That's a cord! You can use it to tie things up or plug in your phone to charge.
👶 For kids: A string or rope that you can use to tie things together.
More Examples
The extension cord provided power to the computer.
The climber secured the rope to the anchor with a cord.
How It's Used
"The package was tied securely with a strong cord."
"The power cord for the lamp was frayed."
A structure resembling a cord, especially in the human body, such as the spinal cord or vocal cords.
/kɔːrd/
A structure resembling a cord
The surgeon examined the spinal cord for damage.
💡 Simply: Your vocal cords are like little strings inside your throat that help you talk! Also, your spinal cord helps you move around. They're both kinds of cords, but inside you!
👶 For kids: A string-like thing inside your body that helps you move or talk.
More Examples
Her vocal cords were strained after the concert.
A pinched nerve affected the spinal cord.
How It's Used
"The vocal cords vibrated, producing sound."
"Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis."
To fasten or secure something with a cord.
/kɔːrd/
To provide with cords
The boxes were corded together for easy transport.
💡 Simply: If you have a box that you tie with a rope or string, you're 'cording' it! Think of wrapping a present.
👶 For kids: To tie something with a string.
More Examples
The delivery service corded the packages together.
The florist corded the bouquet with ribbon.
How It's Used
"The parcel was corded securely before shipping."
Idioms & expressions
cut the cord
To end a relationship or dependency, especially with one's parents or a supporting institution.
"After graduating from college, she decided it was time to cut the cord and move out."
umbilical cord
The flexible cord-like structure containing blood vessels and attaching a fetus to the placenta during gestation.
"The doctor clamped and cut the umbilical cord."
From Middle English corde, from Old French corde, from Latin chorda, from Ancient Greek χορδή (khordḗ, "string, gut").
The word 'cord' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to ropes and strings, later expanding to include anatomical structures.
Memory tip
Think of a clothesline: it's a cord.
Word Origin
"string, gut"