Definition of 'cord'
Word forms: cords
1. variable noun
Cord is strong, thick string.
2. variable noun
COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Video: pronunciation of
cord
Word Frequency
cord in American English
noun
1.
a thick string or thin rope
3.
a measure of wood cut for fuel, equal to 128 cubic feet (3.6 m3), as arranged in a pile 8 feet (2.4 m) long, 4 feet (1.2 m) high, and 4 feet (1.2 m) wide
see also face cord4.
a.
a rib on the surface of a fabric
b.
cloth with a ribbed surface; corduroy
c. [pl.]
corduroy trousers
5. Anatomy
any part resembling a cord
the spinal cord, vocal cords, umbilical cord
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Word origin
ME & OFr corde < L chorda < Gr chordē, catgut, chord, cord < IE base *gher-, intestine > yarn; (sense 3) from use of a cord in measuring
Word Frequency
cord in British English
noun
5. US and Canadian
Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): flex
6. anatomy
any part resembling a string or rope
the spinal cord
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
corder (ˈcorder) noun
cordlike (ˈcordˌlike)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French corde, from Latin chorda cord, from Greek khordē; see chord1Examples of 'cord' in a sentence
cord
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…
Word lists with
cord
fabricQuick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
Which fabric am I?
a thick soft fabric of wool with silk, cotton, or rayon, used for infants' clothing, etc
Which fabric am I?
a smooth glossy fabric of acetate rayon, used for sportswear, etc
Which fabric am I?
a synthetic material similar to Terylene, characterized by its crease-resistance
Which fabric am I?
an absorbent fabric, esp with a nap, used for making towels, bathrobes, etc
Which fabric am I?
a thin soft plain-weave silk or worsted fabric used for veils, dresses, etc
Your score:
More idioms containing
cord
Trends of
cord
View usage over:
In other languages
cord
British English: cord
NOUN /kɔːd/
Cord is strong, thick string.
The door had been tied shut with a length of nylon cord.
Browse alphabetically
cord
Source
Definition of cord from the Collins English Dictionary
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
place or plaice?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
place
plaice
The best to catch fish on a canal is close to a lock.
lessen or lesson?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
lessen
lesson
This will the risk of serious illness.
tide or tied?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
tied
tide
He the dog securely to the railing.
taken or took?
Which version is correct?
feat or feet?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
feat
feet
Their journey was an astonishing of endurance.
Your score:
Word of the day
apocynthion
the point at which a spacecraft in lunar orbit is farthest from the moon
New Conversations Day
The twelfth of July marks New Conversations Day. If you haven’t heard of it, don’t fret or feel afflicted by FOMO, for this is the first such day – ever.
Read more
Study guides for every stage of your learning journey
Whether you're in search of a crossword puzzle, a detailed guide to tying knots, or tips on writing the perfect college essay, Harper Reference has you covered for all your study needs.
Read more
World Music Day
‘If music be the food of love, play on’ must be the second best-known quote from the Bard. These words uttered – or crooned in some performances – by Duke Orsino, who is in love with love itself, constitute the very first line of Twelfth Night.
Read more
Collins English Dictionary Apps
Download our English Dictionary apps - available for both iOS and Android.
Read more
Collins Dictionaries for Schools
Our new online dictionaries for schools provide a safe and appropriate environment for children. And best of all it's ad free, so sign up now and start using at home or in the classroom.
Read more
Word lists
We have almost 200 lists of words from topics as varied as types of butterflies, jackets, currencies, vegetables and knots!
Amaze your friends with your new-found knowledge!
Read more
Join the Collins community
All the latest wordy news, linguistic insights, offers and competitions every month.
Read more
Updating our Usage
There are many diverse influences on the way that English is used across the world today. We look at some of the ways in which the language is changing. Read our series of blogs to find out more.
Read more
Area 51, Starship, and Harvest Moon: September’s Words in the News
I’m sure a lot of people would agree that we live in strange times. But do they have to be so strange that Area 51 is making headlines? And what’s this about fish the look like aliens. September’s Words in the News explain all.
Read more
Quick word challenge
Quiz Review
Question: 1
-
Score: 0 / 5
tic or tick?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
tic
tick
She developed a in her left eye.
bridal or bridle?
Drag the correct answer into the box.
bridal
bridle
The party was waiting at the house.
sauce or source?
Which version is correct?
hangar or hanger?
Which version is correct?
stake or steak?
Which version is correct?
Your score: