chord Definition

chord¹
noun

1. music.
A combination of musical notes played together.

Etymology: 16c: earlier as cord, shortened from accord.

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chord²
noun

1. poetic
A string of a musical instrument.
2. anatomy.
Another spelling of cord.
3. math.
A straight line joining two points on a curve or curved surface.

Idiom: strike a chord

To prompt a feeling of recognition or familiarity.

Idiom: touch the right chord

To get the desired emotional or sympathetic response from someone.

Etymology: 16c: from Greek chorde string or gut.