Definition

1. Noun:

   • A combination of three or more musical notes sounded simultaneously: In music theory, a chord is a set of notes that produces a specific harmonic quality when played together.
   • A straight line segment joining two points on a curve: In geometry, a chord is a line segment whose endpoints lie on a circle or other curve.

2. Verb:

   • To play chords on a musical instrument: This refers to the action of producing chords, typically on a stringed instrument like a guitar or piano.
   • To bring into harmony or accord: This is a more figurative use, meaning to make things compatible or in agreement.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Music):
  • The pianist played a beautiful C major chord.
  • The song's opening chord is very dramatic.
• Noun (Geometry):
  • The length of the chord can be calculated using the circle's radius.
  • A diameter is the longest possible chord in a circle.
• Verb (Music):
  • She learned to chord on the guitar.
  • He chorded the progression perfectly.
• Verb (Figurative):
  • The speaker's words chorded with the audience's feelings. (This usage is less common.)

Advanced Usage

• "Strike a chord": To evoke a feeling of recognition or sympathy.
  • Her story about overcoming adversity struck a chord with many listeners.
• "Touch a chord": Similar to "strike a chord," meaning to affect someone emotionally.
  • The film's message touched a deep chord in the community.

Variants and Related Words

• Chordal (adj): Pertaining to or consisting of chords.
  • The piece features dense chordal textures.
• Chordophone (n): A musical instrument that makes sound from vibrating strings (e.g., guitar, violin). This is a classification term, not a direct variant of "chord."
• Vocal cords (n): The folds of tissue in the larynx involved in voice production. Note the different spelling ("cords" vs. "chords").

Synonyms

• Noun (Music): Harmony, triad, cluster (for a specific type of chord).
• Noun (Geometry): Segment, line segment.
• Verb: Harmonize, strum (for playing chords on a string instrument).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Chord with: To be in harmony or agreement with something (often used figuratively).
  • His ideas chord with the company's new philosophy.
• Chord progression (n phrase): A series of chords played in sequence, fundamental to most music.
  • The jazz standard has a complex chord progression.

Related Idioms

• Strike/Touch the right chord: To do or say something that is exactly appropriate or effective.
  • The advertisement struck the right chord and boosted sales significantly.

Noun

1. a combination of three or more notes that blend harmoniously when sounded together
2. a straight line connecting two points on a curve

Verb

1. bring into consonance, harmony, or accord while making music or singing
2. play chords on (a string instrument)