A cord or string, particularly one used for measuring or marking straight lines in construction or surveying.
From French cordeau, derived from corde meaning 'rope' or 'cord,' with the diminutive suffix -eau. It came into English from French builders and architects.
Before laser levels existed, builders used cordeaus—chalk-dusted strings snapped against surfaces—and the technique is still used today because it's cheap, reliable, and works without batteries.
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