whip-cord
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of strong, tightly twisted cord: "whip-cord" refers to a cord made of tightly twisted strands, originally used for making whips or for tying things that require durability and strength.
- A fabric with a distinct ribbed texture: In textiles, "whip-cord" denotes a sturdy, worsted fabric with a prominent diagonal rib, often used for trousers, coats, or uniforms due to its resilience.
Usage Examples
Noun (cord):
- The sailor used whip-cord to secure the heavy cargo. (A strong, twisted cord for binding.)
- Veins stood out like whip-cord on his arms. (A simile comparing prominent veins to the cord's texture.)
Noun (fabric):
- He wore a jacket made of whip-cord for its durability. (A sturdy fabric with a ribbed surface.)
- The tailor recommended whip-cord for the riding trousers. (A fabric suited for hard-wearing garments.)
Advanced Usage
- "veins stand out like whip-cord": a common idiomatic simile meaning that veins are very visible and rope-like.
- After lifting the heavy weight, his veins stood out like whip-cord. (His veins appeared prominent and cord-like.)
Variants and Related Words
Whipcord (alternative spelling): same meaning.
- The whipcord was tightly braided. (The cord was strongly twisted.)
Whipcord trousers (compound noun): trousers made from whipcord fabric.
- The soldier's whipcord trousers were resistant to wear. (Trousers made of the sturdy fabric.)
Synonyms
- Cord: a thin, flexible string or rope.
- Twine: strong thread or string made of twisted fibers.
- Ribbed fabric: a textile with raised parallel ridges.
Related Idioms
- "to whip into shape": though not directly related, it uses "whip" as a verb, meaning to bring something into a desired condition quickly.
- The coach whipped the team into shape before the match. (He made them perform better.)
Phrasal Verbs
- None directly associated with "whip-cord" as a noun; the verb "whip" has phrasal verbs like "whip up" (to prepare quickly) but these are not derived from the noun.