cord
B1Neutral to slightly formal; technical in specific domains (anatomy, textiles, wood measurement).
Definition
Meaning
A thin, flexible length of twisted strands (as of hemp, nylon, or cotton) used for tying, binding, or connecting things.
1) An anatomical structure resembling a cord (e.g., spinal cord, vocal cords). 2) A unit for measuring cut wood (a cord of wood). 3) A ribbed fabric, like corduroy. 4) An insulated electrical cable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often implies a degree of strength and utility. In anatomy, it refers to elongated, cable-like structures. The 'wood' sense is a specific, standardized measurement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Electrical cord' is common in both, though 'flex' is a British alternative. 'Corduroy' (the fabric) is shortened to 'cord' more frequently in UK English (e.g., 'a pair of cords').
Connotations
Largely identical. The anatomical and wood measurement senses are standard in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English for 'electrical cord' and 'phone cord' in historical contexts. The fabric sense ('corduroy trousers') is more commonly shortened to 'cords' in the UK.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cord + of + [material/measurement] (a cord of wood, a cord of nylon)cord + connecting + [object] (a cord connecting the devices)cord + around/through + [object] (thread the cord through the eyelet)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cut the cord (to end a dependency, especially of a child from parents)”
- “vocal cords (not 'chords')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in logistics (e.g., 'a cord of firewood for sale').
Academic
Common in medical/biological texts (spinal cord, umbilical cord).
Everyday
Common for electrical appliances, tying things, fabric (corduroy).
Technical
Specific in anatomy, forestry (wood measurement), and electrical engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully corded the package with sturdy twine.
- The area was corded off by police tape.
American English
- She corded the firewood into neat stacks.
- They corded off the construction site for safety.
adverb
British English
- This word is not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- This word is not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He wore a comfortable pair of cord trousers.
- The cord fabric was soft and durable.
American English
- He prefers cord jackets in the autumn.
- The cord upholstery on the chair was wearing thin.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please plug in the cord.
- The parcel was tied with a red cord.
- He cut the cord to free the package.
- We need an extension cord for the lamp.
- The spinal cord transmits signals from the brain to the body.
- They purchased a full cord of seasoned oak for the winter.
- The surgeon carefully dissected around the spermatic cord.
- Politically, the country is attempting to cut the cord with its colonial past.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'cord' as a 'CORE connection' – it connects things at their core, like an umbilical cord or an electrical cord to a device's power core.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A CORD (e.g., 'strengthening the cords of friendship', 'severing diplomatic cords').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'chord' (/kɔːrd/) – a musical term or emotional 'heart strings'. In Russian, both can be translated as 'аккорд' (musical) or 'струна' (string), but 'cord' is typically 'шнур', 'верёвка', or 'тяж' (anatomical).
- The fabric 'corduroy' is 'вельвет' in Russian, not directly related to the word 'cord'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'chord' when referring to anatomy or rope. 'Vocal cords' is correct, not 'vocal chords'.
- Using 'cord' for very thick ropes (use 'cable' or 'hawser').
- Confusing 'a cord' (measurement of wood) with 'a log'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'cord' refer to a specific quantity?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The correct anatomical term is 'vocal cords'. 'Chords' refers to musical notes played together.
Generally, 'string' is thin, 'cord' is medium and often twisted, and 'rope' is thick and heavy-duty. 'Cord' often implies a specific purpose (electrical, tying).
Yes, it means to fasten or bind with a cord, or to stack wood in cords. It is less common than the noun form.
A unit of measure for cut firewood, equal to a stack 8 feet long, 4 feet high, and 4 feet deep (128 cubic feet).