chord (1) definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

chord [ kawrd ]

noun (plural chords)

Definition:

notes struck together: two or more musical notes played or sung simultaneously

an F minor chord

transitive verb (past and past participle chord·ed, present participle chord·ing, 3rd person present singular chords)

Definition:

supply chords for something: to play or produce chords to harmonize and embellish a melody

[15th century. Shortening and alteration of accord after Latin chorda]

chord·al adjective

strike or touch a chord to produce an emotional, especially a sympathetic, response in somebody, or jog somebody's memory

Word Usage


	chord or cord? In musical contexts the spelling is chord, and this form is also used in figurative expressions that have to do with feelings: The speech struck the right chord. In anatomical contexts (spinal cord, umbilical cord,vocal cords), cord is more usual. Cord is used when referring to a thick, strong string, a belt or cable, and as a measurement of cut wood.