Cord

/kɔːrd/ noun

Definition

A length of rope, string, or cable, or an anatomical structure like the spinal cord.

Etymology

From Old French 'corde', from Latin 'chorda' meaning 'string of a musical instrument', ultimately from Greek 'khorde'. The anatomical sense developed because nerves and tendons resemble strings or cords.

Kelly Says

The 'vocal cords' are actually vocal folds - they're not really cord-like but got their name because early anatomists thought they resembled violin strings. A 'chord' in music and a 'cord' for rope are etymological twins, both coming from that Greek word for string.

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