noun

chord

/kɔːrd/ · say it: kord

several musical notes sounded together

In Arts & Culture

In more detail

1. (noun) a straight line connecting two points on a curve or circle

2. (noun) a combination of three or more musical notes played together

3. (noun) an emotion or memory that affects someone (usually in the phrase "strike a chord")

Examples

1. The chord of a circle is shorter than its diameter.
2. The pianist played a beautiful C major chord.
3. Her story struck a chord with audiences around the world.

How to use chord

Chord has distinct uses in music (a harmonic combination) and geometry (a line segment), both common in specialized and general contexts. The figurative phrase 'strike a chord' means to resonate emotionally or trigger recognition, commonly used in both formal and informal speech to describe ideas, stories, or arguments that affect an audience.

Common phrases

strike a chord
chord progression
major chord
minor chord
emotional chord

Synonyms

combination · harmony · string · line segment · notes

Word family

chordal · accorded

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'chord' (multiple notes) with 'cord' (a rope or string), though they are homophones; in the phrase 'strike a chord,' some misspell it as 'cord,' which changes the meaning entirely.

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