Cord Meaning

UK /kɔːd/
US /kɔːrd/
Word Definition
cord meaning

Cord Definition & Usage

noun

A long, flexible length of material, typically made of fibers or wires, used to connect devices or provide power.

Examples

  • "The lamp is powered by an extension cord."
  • "She tripped over the cord while vacuuming."
  • "Make sure to unplug the cord before cleaning the room."
  • "The computer needs a new power cord; this one is frayed."
  • "He wrapped the charging cord neatly after use."
noun

A flexible, rope-like structure, such as a nerve cord or spinal cord, in biology.

Examples

  • "The spinal cord connects the brain to the body."
  • "Damage to the cord can result in paralysis."
  • "The spinal cord is protected by vertebrae."
  • "She studied the neural cord of fish in her biology class."
  • "He underwent surgery to treat a cord injury."
noun

A group of musical notes played together, typically forming a harmonic unit.

Examples

  • "The pianist played a C-major chord that resonated beautifully."
  • "The guitar player strummed a powerful chord during the solo."
  • "She switched from one chord to another seamlessly in her composition."
  • "He struggled to form the chord on his guitar at first."
  • "The song ended with a dramatic chord that left the audience in silence."

Cultural Context

The word 'cord' comes from the Latin word 'chorda', which referred to a string or rope. Over time, it developed several meanings in different contexts, such as in electricity, anatomy, and music. The modern usage of 'cord' as an electrical connection has become ubiquitous with the rise of technology, while its biological and musical meanings maintain their significance in specialized fields.

The Long Cord

Story

The Long Cord

Lily was in the midst of preparing her new apartment when she discovered the importance of every small detail. It wasn't just about furniture or color schemes; the cords had their own story to tell. First, she noticed the power cord for her kitchen appliances. As she bent to plug in the toaster, she realized the cord was too short to reach the socket. Annoyed, she went out to buy an extension cord, wondering why cords were always so limiting in length. Later that day, as she read her biology textbook, she came across a diagram of the human spinal cord, showing its intricate network of nerves. Her mind wandered, wondering how something as simple as a cord—like the one that powered her toaster—could be so essential in both technology and biology. She thought about how the cord in her neck helped her body function, just as the electrical cord powered her morning routines. The next morning, while playing the piano, Lily tried a new chord she had learned. It felt like everything was connected. Each note flowed into the next, much like the way cords connected different parts of her life. She realized that everything, from the simple cord under her desk to the complex biological structures inside her body, was part of a greater system. Everything had its purpose, whether it powered a device, carried information, or created beauty. The day ended with a power outage, and once again, she found herself relying on the cords around her, from the backup power cord she had bought earlier to the phone charger she used to keep in touch with friends. It was a simple reminder that, in all its forms, the cord—whether powering her day, transmitting messages, or keeping her body in sync—was an essential part of her life.

The Long Cord