Chord: meaning, definitions and examples

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chord

[ kɔːd ]

^{Context #1}

music

A group of (typically three or more) notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony.

Synonyms

harmony, note, sound

Examples of usage

He played a beautiful chord on the piano.
The choir sang in perfect harmony, each member holding their designated chord.

^{Context #2}

geometry

A straight line joining two points on a curve.

Synonyms

curve, line segment

Examples of usage

The chord of a circle is a line segment whose endpoints lie on the circle.

^{Context #3}

architecture

A principal structural member, such as the wall of a vault or of an arcade.

Synonyms

beam, structural member

Examples of usage

The architect carefully designed the placement of each chord to ensure the stability and beauty of the structure.

^{Context #4}

music

Play, sing, or arrange chords.

Synonyms

accompany, harmonize

Examples of usage

He loves to chord his guitar and create his own music.
She carefully chorded the piano keys to produce a melodious tune.

Translations

Translations of the word "chord" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acorde

🇮🇳 वाद्य यंत्र का तार

🇩🇪 Akkord

🇮🇩 akord

🇺🇦 акорд

🇵🇱 akord

🇯🇵 コード

🇫🇷 accord

🇪🇸 acorde

🇹🇷 akor

🇰🇷 화음

🇸🇦 وتر

🇨🇿 akord

🇸🇰 akord

🇨🇳 和弦

🇸🇮 akord

🇮🇸 hljómur

🇰🇿 аккорд

🇬🇪 აკორდი

🇦🇿 akord

🇲🇽 acorde

Word origin

The word 'chord' originated from the Middle English 'cord', which came from the Old French 'corde' and Latin 'chorda', meaning 'string of a musical instrument'. The term was first used in the musical sense in the early 15th century, referring to a combination of musical tones played simultaneously to create harmony. Over time, 'chord' expanded its meaning to include geometric and architectural contexts, reflecting the interconnectedness of different fields through a common term.