Definition

1. Noun:
   • A line or circle of police, soldiers, or guards preventing access to or from an area: A cordon is a barrier formed by people, often for security or containment purposes.
   • A cord or braid worn as a fastening or ornament, especially as part of a uniform: A cordon can be a decorative cord, ribbon, or sash, often signifying honor or rank.
   • A fruit tree trained to grow as a single stem, usually against a wall: In horticulture, a cordon is a method of pruning and training a tree.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Security Barrier):

  • Police formed a cordon around the building.
  • A security cordon prevented protesters from approaching the embassy.

• Noun (Decorative Cord):

  • The ambassador wore a blue silk cordon across his chest.
  • The ceremonial uniform was adorned with a golden cordon.

• Noun (Horticulture):

  • We grow apple trees as cordons along the garden fence.
  • A cordon system allows for high fruit yield in a small space.

Advanced Usage

• "to cordon off" (phrasal verb): To prevent access to an area by surrounding it with a barrier of people or objects.
  • The police cordoned off the crime scene for investigation.
  • Authorities cordoned off the contaminated zone.

Variants and Related Words

• Cordon bleu (adj/noun): A term originally denoting a first-class chef or cookery of the highest standard.
  • She attended a cordon bleu cooking school.

Synonyms

• Barrier: A fence or other obstacle that prevents movement or access.
• Perimeter: The outer limits or edge of an area or object.
• Sash: A long strip or loop of cloth worn over one shoulder or around the waist.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cordon off: As defined in "Advanced Usage" above.

Noun

1. adornment consisting of an ornamental ribbon or cord
2. cord or ribbon worn as an insignia of honor or rank
3. a series of sentinels or of military posts enclosing or guarding some place or thing