Definition

1. Noun:

   • A thin, flexible string or rope made of twisted strands: A cord is a type of strong, thin line, thicker than string but thinner than rope, typically made by twisting together two or more strands of material like cotton, nylon, or hemp.
   • An insulated electrical wire: A cord refers to a flexible, insulated electrical cable used to connect an appliance to a power source.
   • A ribbed fabric: A cord is a type of fabric, such as corduroy, characterized by raised parallel lines or ribs.
   • An anatomical structure resembling a string: In anatomy, a cord is a long, flexible, string-like structure, such as a nerve or tendon.
   • A unit of measurement for cut wood: A cord is a unit of volume for stacked firewood, traditionally measuring 128 cubic feet (approximately 3.62 cubic meters).

2. Verb:

   • To fasten or bind with a cord: The action of tying something securely using a cord.
   • To stack wood in a measured pile: The action of arranging cut wood into a pile for measurement or storage, specifically in units of cords.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She tied the package with a piece of colorful cord.
  • Please unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before cleaning the device.
  • He prefers trousers made of soft cord for casual wear.
  • Damage to the spinal cord can have serious consequences.
  • We ordered a cord of seasoned oak for the fireplace.

• Verb:

  • He carefully corded the old manuscripts into bundles for archiving.
  • After splitting the logs, we need to cord them neatly by the shed.

Advanced Usage

• "Vocal cords": The pair of folds in the larynx whose vibration produces the voice.

  • Singers must take care not to strain their vocal cords.

• "Umbilical cord": The flexible cordlike structure connecting a fetus to the placenta, containing blood vessels.

  • The doctor clamped and cut the newborn's umbilical cord.

Variants and Related Words

• Cording (n): The material or act of making or tying with cord.

  • The cording on the upholstery adds a decorative touch.

• Corduroy (n): A thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs, etymologically related to "cord."

  • He wore a warm corduroy jacket.

• Cordless (adj): Operating without a connecting power cord, typically using a battery.

  • A cordless phone offers more mobility.

Synonyms

• Noun (for string/rope): String, line, twine, lace.
• Noun (for wire): Cable, lead, flex, wire.
• Verb (for tying): Bind, tie, fasten, lash.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Cord off: To enclose or separate an area by stretching a cord or rope across it.
  • The police corded off the crime scene for investigation.

Related Idioms

• Cut the cord: To end a dependency, especially that of a child on a parent, or to disconnect from something.
  • It was time for the young adult to cut the cord and live independently.

Noun

1. a cut pile fabric with vertical ribs; usually made of cotton
2. a light insulated conductor for household use
3. a unit of amount of wood cut for burning; 128 cubic feet
4. a line made of twisted fibers or threads
   • the bundle was tied with a cord

Verb

1. bind or tie with a cord
2. stack in cords
   • cord firewood